Scotland's tourism board has appointed a new Regional Director for the Ayrshire and Arran area.

Lynsey Eckford has stepped into the role at VisitScotland, which will see her work with stakeholders and partners across the region to find ways to support the growth of the visitor economy. 

Lynsey has said she is keen to engage with the communities throughout the region and highlighted some of the tourism developments in the pipeline.

She said: “The last few years have been transformative for everyone.

"And as I start in this new role with VisitScotland, I am excited to work with and support the community and tourism industry in Ayrshire & Arran as we move forward towards recovery. 

“Before becoming VisitScotland's Regional Director for Ayrshire and Arran, I served as an Industry Relationship Manager for Glasgow. Additionally, I was delighted to be part of the team at Forth Valley College last year, where I lectured for the 21/22 academic year.

“I am thrilled to be a part of the VisitScotland Ayrshire & Arran team and really look forward to working with the local industry and communities to continue these successes. Please don’t hesitate to contact my colleague, Industry Relationship Manager Craig Lawless, if our team can assist your business to grow and develop with our support. 

“Partnership and collaboration are at the heart of Scottish tourism and help us strike a balance that allows communities to flourish whilst also benefitting from tourism.

"This is one of the prime focuses of my role and the role of VisitScotland in Ayrshire & Arran."