LOCAL MSP BEGINS COASTAL PATH TOUR

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sat 22nd Aug 2009

Local MSP Iain Smith on day one of the coastal path tour.

North East Fife'S MSP and Convenor of the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee Iain Smith began his five-day trek of the East Neuk Coastal Path today.

Mr Smith is embarking on the trip to meet with local businesses in the area, to see how they are coping in the economic downturn and to establish what changes can be made, or help offered to make their lives easier. As well as meeting with local businesses, he will also be stopping at a number of North East Fife's multitude of tourist attractions.

Mr Smith will begin his tour at the constituency boundary at Silverburn, and will make stops in Lower Largo, Shell Bay, Elie, Pittenweem, Anstruther and Crail. Along the way the Convenor of the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee will spend the night in local B&Bs, campsites and caravan parks, and will also be partaking in some water activities in Elie and pottery making in Crail. Meetings will also be taking place between Mr Smith and representatives of the Scottish Fisheries Museum, local information centres, the Fife Coast and Countryside Trust, and Crail Golfing Society.

Mr Smith said of the trip, "There is no doubt that this recession has hit North East Fife hard and the various announcements of job losses and businesses closing has only served to reinforce this."

"I want to see first hand the effects of the economic downturn in the East Neuk, but also want to promote the fantastic tourist attractions and qualities available in my constituency.

"This summer has seen an increase in the number of people who are holidaying at home and the East Neuk is benefiting from this.

"I will be staying in campsites and bed and breakfasts along the way to show my support for the local tourist industry."

ENDS