And local politicians Malcolm Bruce and Alex Salmond have criticised the move to make the centre seasonal.

VisitScotland officially announced earlier this month that the Tourist Information Centre on High Street was to cease running as a bookshop and a year-round operation as of Saturday (October 27) at 5pm. It is planned to re-open a seasonal TIC on Monday, March 17 2008.

VistScotland Aberdeen and Grampian revealed it took the decision after it "evaluated the viability of the Inverurie TIC and took the decision to change the functioning from a year round bookstore and TIC operation to a seasonal TIC only".

Area Director for VisitScotland Aberdeen and Grampian Ian Dunlop said at the time of the announcement: "It is with great regret that we have decided to go from a year-round operation to a seasonal one at the Inverurie TIC.

"Although customer numbers have remained fairly steady over the past three years, income has dropped substantially, particularly on the retail side. Sadly, the accommodation bookings are not sufficient to bolster the loss in retail."

Among the comments to the IBA, included one from Suni Smith of OSCA Environmental Services Ltd., who said: "I believe that Inverurie should maintain its year-round Tourist Information Centre and maintain the staff who have provided this area with an excellent service. Inverurie is a fast growing area and requires both the Book Store and Tourist Information Centre."

Yvonne Madconald of Aberdeenshire Disability Action stated that she was "shocked that they have gone ahead and done this without consultation".

Inverurie Business Association committee member Ranald Allan said: "Inverurie Business Association, with support from Aberdeenshire Council, has put a large amount of resource into developing tourism for Inverurie and the absence of a full-time Tourist Information Centre will be a huge blow.

"The IBA launched the Visit Inverurie internet site, which has recorded 176,030 visitors and the association has produced tourism leaflets to promote the town."

Speaking earlier this year, Gordon MP Malcolm Bruce described VisitScotland's decision as a "huge setback" for the area.

He said: "The winter closure of the tourist centre can only be seen as a huge setback to any future development of the tourist industry both in the town and the local area which I have long campaigned for."

Mr Bruce wrote to VisitScotland's Area Director asking him to reconsider the decision to "avoid taking a step backwards".

First Minister and MSP for Gordon Alex Salmond is concerned that neither he or local businesses were consulted on the seasonal closure, which means there will be no off peak tourist information between Aberdeen and Elgin from October to March.

Mr Salmond said: "It is totally unacceptable to keep local businesses in the dark. I am extremely concerned about the way this decision has been conducted and the impact it will have on the local businesses in Inverurie and the wider area of Gordon.

"Leaving Gordon without any kind of tourist facility in the off peak season is totally unacceptable as there are many tourists passing through the area who may well lose out or miss some of the beautiful areas due to lack of information facilities.

"I have therefore written to VisitScotland demanding a meeting to discuss what proposals they have to support the businesses and prospective tourists in Gordon that will suffer as a result of their decision."

Ranald Allan added: "The IBA hopes that, through discussion with Mr Salmond and VisitScotland, a positive solution can be found to enable a year-round Tourist Information Centre."