VisitMoffat announce end of an era, as service prepares for closure
The Chair and Acting Secretary made the announcement on social media
Last updated 10th Nov 2023
A tourist information service based in Moffat has announced it will be closing.
VisitMoffat say they’ll be stopping their helpline and Facebook Page at the end of the year, however their website will be live until next March.
Those behind the service say they are hopeful a local business group could come together and take over, however nothing has materialised as of yet.
Chairman and Acting Secretary Leys Geddes announced the closure on the VisitMoffat Facebook page, detailing the hard work of volunteers over the years:
“With the vital help of Alistair Tait, our Treasurer, I've being doing most of the hands-on, seven-day-a-week work for more than six years, so we felt it was time for a change.
“We had hoped that a new group would have offered to take over but, unfortunately, that hasn’t happened.
“I’m very grateful for the help we’ve received from the committee and the many local volunteers, photographers and artists. And we are particularly grateful for the support our Facebook page has received from hundreds of thousands of people in Moffat, the rest of Scotland, the rest of the UK and all over the world.”
Putting Moffat on the map
“VisitMoffat’s role is to do exactly what it says on the tin: encourage people to visit Moffat.
“That’s a very important aim, as a third of our economy depends on visitors. Without visitors, Moffat, like many small towns in Scotland, would simply shrivel up.
“My hope is still that a new group will take over VisitMoffat. If that happens, I'll help them all I can. Moffat is still the jewel in the crown of southern Scotland; but we must keep it firmly on the map.”
The full announcement can be accessed here.
Locals flocked to the comments to express their sadness and thank VisitMoffat for lots of hard work over the years, with one Facebook user writing:
“I’m sorry to hear this news. We fell in love with Moffat when we visited there from the States in 2016. It’s a beautiful place and we truly enjoyed our stay there. I have enjoyed this site so much.”
Another added:
“Sorry to hear this, and thank you for all your work promoting Moffatt. I have been many times and love the updates and historical information.”
With a range of suggestions also rolling in from the comments, it’s understood hope still remains for a future for VisitMoffat.