What’s the story, Balamory?
Tourism chiefs on the Scottish island of Mull are reported to be “anguished” at the proposed axing of the children’s show Balamory.
Set in the colourful village of Tobermory, the show has transformed the island’s tourism business – according to The Independent, the “chill wind from the sea… brings a cacophony of excited squeals, cries and temper tantrums as thousands of eager-to-please parents descend on the island”.
The newspaper reports that the advent of the television series changed the demands on the local tourist scene “almost overnight”. But, three years after the show first hit the screens, it is now to be cancelled.
Sandy Brunton, president of the island’s chamber of commerce, is quoted as saying: “It is very disappointing from a trade point of view as Mull and Tobermory have done very well out of the programme.Our season is now one of the longest in Scottish tourism as it starts at Easter abd goes right through to October, and there is still quite a lot of trade in December and January.”
James Fraser, of VisitScotland, reportedly said that the show had been a “huge draw”, adding that Balamory generated more than 150,000 visitors to the island each year. He added: “A whole generation has been brought up on Balamory and that will leave a legacy. These toddlers will go away with very fond memories and the view is that many of them will grow up and want to come back with their families.”
Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd www.newsfromabroad.com
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