Stakeholder Tensions in an Island Community: Balancing the Needs of Tourists and Local Residents

Abstract

The Western Isles of Scotland have been recognised as being amongst the most disadvantaged and economically fragile regions of the UK. This vulnerability is derived in part from their physical isolation and compounded by an over reliance upon particular industries, limited employment opportunities and an inadequate transport infrastructure. Tourism and leisure activities remain critical to the island’s economy and are central in supporting retail and supplier businesses as well as hospitality and accommodation services. At the same time, the arrival of significant numbers of visitors from the mainland each year, impacts upon the lives of local residents. This paper is based upon a series of empirical studies undertaken by the authors and details the competing tensions that exist between commercial income generation and the maintenance of cultural and lifestyle values. It suggests that while the positive impact of tourism may outweigh other, more negative concerns, island life is not immune from the pressures of the market. These externalities manifest themselves in the spheres of both consumption and production. The paper concludes that while the Western Isles remain spatially and temporally unique, the challenges faced by the local population has broader, global applicability.

Presenters

Paul Freathy
Professor, Marketing and Retail, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

Critical Issues in Tourism and Leisure Studies

KEYWORDS

Scotland Western Isles Economic Need Social Tensions