Businesses to chew over downturn

Industry group CBI Scotland is to hold its first Highland business dinner when guest speakers will look at how tourism will cope with the economic downturn.

Giving the keynote speeches will be VisitScotland and Gleneagles Hotel plc chairman Peter Lederer, and Andrew Thin, of Scottish Natural Heritage.

The event in Inverness on Thursday 15 January will be chaired by CBI Scotland director Iain McMillan.

Last year, wildlife tourism in the Highlands was said to be healthy.

Nature shows such as the BBC's Springwatch had played a part in raising interest in the outdoors, according to Wild Scotland.

Caroline Warburton, of the Inverness-based organisation, said most of its members had a good 2008.