A NEW touring route for Ayrshire and the islands was due to launch this month until COVID-19 hit.

Now organisers say The Coig could play a crucial part in strengthening Ayrshire’s tourism and hospitality sector and benefit the local area after social distancing measures ease.

The route was promoted by Ayrshire-born Formula 1 presenter Lee McKenzie and was tipped to be the county’s equivalent to the North Coast 500.

Two years in development, the project’s aim is to encourage people to explore what’s on their doorstep and showcase Ayrshire’s beauty.

Daniel Steele, Chief Executive Officer at The Coig, which is Gaelic for ‘five’, says when lockdown ends, the project could help revitalise tourism in the area.

He said: “The Coig includes all of mainland Ayrshire but also the Clyde islands so Arran, Bute and Cumbrae.

“We are pretty well placed for the recovery phase but the tricky thing is how long it’ll take for people to move freely.

“Certainly research suggests that nobody’s clamouring to jump on planes or to travel internationally so that gives us a strong position because The Coig involves touring local routes by driving but also cycling and walking.

“Our main plan is to bring Ayrshire to the fore by driving additional expenditure, adding employment and linking up the incredible things to do in this area.”

The Coig is the first touring group project in Scotland which includes ferry travel to access Bute and Cumbrae, linking up the mainland with the islands.

Daniel said: “With Covid-19, we are trying to help partner businesses in the short term.

“We have our website and mobile app so we’re using that to inspire people to visit the area when all this is over.

“It will be good to generate business for the attractions and hotels and put money back into the local economy when it will be needed.

“During this time, people are reconnecting with the idea of supporting local businesses and buying locally from small businesses if they can because these are ones who have stepped in to deliver food to vulnerable people and help the community.”

To find out more, visit their website at https://thecoig.com/

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