For immediate release:

MSP SAYS IT’S TIME TO PUT RUTHERGLEN ON THE MAP

Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey has started a campaign urging tourism authorities to do more to promote places of interest from within her Rutherglen constituency.

During a question session at the Scottish Parliament, the SNP MSP criticised VisitLanarkshire and VisitScotland saying they “poorly serve” Rutherglen and surrounding communities. Clare Haughey says local tourist spots are often misaddressed as being in Glasgow, whilst other landmarks aren’t publicised at all.

The Rutherglen MSP is in the process of pulling together stakeholders to discuss her campaign, and has a meeting with VisitScotland organised and is in the process of arranging a similar meeting with VisitLanarkshire. In addition to working with both organisation, Clare Haughey has committed to working with businesses, local residents, and Community Councils to ensure her Rutherglen constituency is ‘put on the map’.

Commenting, Clare Haughey MSP said:

“It is incredibly frustrating as the Rutherglen constituency MSP to see our local area frequently overlooked.

“Areas like Cuningar Loop are often described as being in Glasgow, whilst Rutherglen and Cambuslang don’t even appear on a map VisitLanarkshire have promoting the region.

“We need a far better approach from all authorities to ensure that our local landmarks like Rutherglen Town Hall are properly publicised. That is why I have started a campaign to bring together everyone interested in promoting our local communities.

“I’ll be reaching out to local businesses, constituents and community councils to see how we can work together to ensure both metaphorically and literally, that Rutherglen is put on the map.”

ENDS

Notes:

Transcript of the proceedings between Clare Haughey MSP and the Scottish Government:

http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/report.aspx?r=11501&i=104398

Below is a photograph of Clare Haughey MSP during the exchange.

Date published: 10th May 2018