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WORRIED tourism chiefs say they fear the impact of the coronavirus crisis is likely to be felt on the economy of the Loch Lomond area long after restrictions on movement have been lifted.

Fears of a “meltdown” for the local tourism sector were expressed during talks between industry representatives from Loch Lomond and the surrounding area, Scotland’s tourism secretary Fergus Ewing, and Dumbarton and the Vale’s MSP.

Along with Jackie Baillie and Mr Ewing, present at the talks were James Fraser, chair of the Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, Beth and Murdo MacLeod from the Knockderry Country House Hotel in Cove, and Neil Wells of the Gartocharn-based Lochs and Glens holiday company, operators of the Ardgartan Hotel in Arrochar.

Ms Baillie said: "The cabinet secretary appreciated that the support and protection needed for businesses within the tourism industry must continue for the rest of the season, and I am sure that he will work to ensure that the policies and measures introduced are able to fully support and combat the difficulties facing these businesses.”

During the meeting Mr Ewing said he was keen to see a resolution to issues including rates revaluations, which left many businesses ineligible for financial help, and financial support for seasonal staff recruited after February 28, the cut-off date for the UK Government’s job retention scheme.

Mr Fraser said afterwards: “It was very helpful having the opportunity to brief the cabinet secretary on the gravity of the meltdown situation and the many challenges facing tourism businesses in and around the national park.”

Mr and Mrs MacLeod added: “We believe that actions speak louder than words and we look forward to seeing how the support discussed materialises in the coming weeks and months.

“If businesses like ours are to survive as we head from a disastrous spring towards the bleak seasons which follow, a coherent national strategy must be provided by the government sooner rather than later.”

Prior to last week’s talks Mr Ewing had said the current crisis would “almost certainly be the worst period for Scottish tourism in living memory”, but he promised the government would do “all we can to minimise the impact of Covid-19 and ensure that everyone eligible for support is able to access it quickly”.

Support already available for hospitality, leisure and retail properties, including self-catering accommodation and caravans, includes a full year’s non-domestic rates relief and grants of either £10,000 or £25,000 depending on a business’s rateable value and its eligibility for existing relief schemes.