Mike Watson: I cannot give way: I will not have time to answer the debate if I give way. We have already extended the debate. To ensure that the National Library evolves into a body that is capable of meeting demand, the trustees commissioned the review of the library's activities that we have heard of this evening. When they considered the results of the review, which was carried out by senior management...
Mike Watson: I do not know what Fiona McLeod can add to what she said earlier. Some of the figures she quoted do not stand up against the information that I have—for example, on staffing. I understand that staff of the NLS are in the gallery. The information that I received as recently as today—information that I commissioned to put the record straight—is that the closure would affect 21 staff, 13...
Mike Watson: Responsibility for devising, delivering and assessing marketing campaigns is an operational matter for VisitScotland. I look forward to receiving VisitScotland’s assessment of this new and innovative campaign.
Mike Watson: I, too, want to congratulate Karen Gillon on securing this debate. The way in which she made her speech made it clear that she has a strong sense of local pride. I enjoyed the other speeches as well. As far as I am aware, this is the first time that the Scottish Parliament has debated our built heritage. It is appropriate that we mark that. Scotland has a rich and diverse cultural heritage...
Mike Watson: Where designation of a wreck site under section 1(1) and 1(2) of the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973 is a matter of immediate urgency Scottish ministers may dispense with the consultation provided for in section 1(4) and proceed to make the order. The criterion applied when considering whether such designation is a matter of immediate urgency would be where there was real concern that the wreck...
Mike Watson: I have no such plans at present. I shall be publishing the outcome of the review of our national tourism strategy in the New Year. The actions arising from this review, together with a new approach to marketing that VisitScotland is developing, will both assist the industry recover from the effects of foot-and-mouth disease and the tragic events of September 11 and prosper in the longer term.
Mike Watson: This is an operational matter for VisitScotland and its partners. I understand that work is at a very early stage.
Mike Watson: Eco-tourism is tourism which is based on an appreciation of the natural environment of an area, contributes to the local economy and contributes to the conservation of the natural heritage being visited.
Mike Watson: The drop in overseas tourism visitors for October is disappointing, but in line with expectations. Both VisitScotland and the British Tourist Authority are currently working on a number of new campaigns to encourage tourists to come to Scotland. These will be launched early in 2002. VisitScotland’s marketing budget is at a record level.
Mike Watson: I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-20742 on 20 December 2001.
Mike Watson: VisitScotland’s "Shop till you Drop" campaign does not breach any EU competition rules. There are no plans to introduce a petrol voucher scheme.
Mike Watson: Any such applications would be made on a confidential basis.
Mike Watson: I have met will the Chairman and Chief Executive of VisitScotland and intend to meet with industry organisations, including the Scottish Tourism Forum, as soon as possible. VisitScotland is currently consulting the industry about the review of the national tourism strategy.
Mike Watson: VisitScotland will launch a Genealogy Tourism Strategy and dedicated website in January. The strategy will be launched in Glasgow, and also in America, Canada and Australia.
Mike Watson: Listed Building Consent for the works at the John Muir Birthplace in Dunbar has not been granted by Scottish ministers; consent for the works has been given by East Lothian Council as planning authority. Prior to issuing the consent, East Lothian Council notified the application to ministers under the requirements of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997....
Mike Watson: Scottish ministers did not grant consent for the works to the John Muir Birthplace in Dunbar. Consent was given by East Lothian Council as planning authority. The decision not to call in the application for decision by ministers was made after careful study of the relevant issues.
Mike Watson: The application for Listed Building Consent for the proposed alterations to the John Muir Birthplace in Dunbar was granted consent by East Lothian Council as planning authority, not Scottish ministers. Following routine notification of the application to ministers by the council and full consideration of the relevant issues, ministers determined that they were content to leave the decision on...
Mike Watson: The City of Aberdeen and Dundee City Councils held preliminary discussions with sportscotland and Scottish Swimming about 50 metre swimming pools. sportscotland has not received any funding applications for any such proposals.
Mike Watson: Ministers have not issued any such guidelines or directions. This is an operational matter for the VisitScotland Board.
Mike Watson: I will be meeting representatives of the SFA shortly to discuss the possible bid for Euro 2008.