VisitScotland eUpdate - August 2008
Welcome to the eighth eUpdate of 2008 which features a wide range of articles which we hope you will find of interest.
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Aberdeen & Grampian | Highlands | Orkney | Outer Hebrides | Shetland
Tourism operators from across the Highlands and Islands are being invited to take part in the region’s most exciting and prestigious hospitality and tourism industry awards.
More...Aberdeen & Grampian | Highlands
Dolphin watching in the Moray Firth is the number one thing to see and do in Scotland according to the results of an online survey by VisitScotland.
More...Aberdeen & Grampian | Highlands
Boots N Paddles have recently launched a summer kayaking programme allowing participants to learn how to paddle while getting closer to nature.
More...Aberdeen & Grampian
A highly regarded Indian travel journalist was given the opportunity to sample some of the delights of the North East recently thanks to efforts from VisitScotland to raise the profile of the area internationally.
More...Aberdeen & Grampian
The historic village of Fyvie, in Aberdeenshire, has announced ambitious plans for a “Fyvie Homecoming Festival" to take place from 28-30 August next year.
More...Aberdeen & Grampian
Former Managing Director of Northsound Radio, Ken Massie, has been appointed as VisitScotland’s new Regional Director for Grampian.
More...Aberdeen & Grampian
Nominations for this year’s Northern Lights Tourism Awards open on Monday 1st September 2008.
More...Aberdeen & Grampian
Scottish Tourism Forum in partnership with Scottish Enterprise and Netdata have worked together on a series of one day workshops designed specifically for people working in the tourism industry.
More...Aberdeen & Grampian | Sustainable Tourism
Glenlivet estate has received a special award for excellence from the European Landowners’ Organisation in recognition of their holistic approach to land management. The estate attracts around 80,000 visitors per year and plays a key role in boosting local tourism.
More...Angus & Dundee
Spaniards have been encouraged to holiday in Angus and Dundee this summer on the back of FC Barcelona’s friendly against Dundee Utd last month.
More...Angus & Dundee
Dundee Flower & Food Festival will take place in Camperdown Park from 5-7 September 2008. Following the outstanding success and popularity of last year, which saw a record 26,000 visitors flock to the show grounds, the Dundee Flower & Food Festival promises to be just as entertaining in 2008.
More...Argyll, Loch Lomond & Forth Valley
Tourism operators from across the Highlands and Islands are being invited to take part in the region’s most exciting and prestigious hospitality and tourism industry awards.
More...Argyll, Loch Lomond & Forth Valley
Brought to you by the Scottish Tourism Forum in partnership with Scottish Enterprise and Netdata, this workshop has been designed specifically for people working in the tourism industry.
More...Argyll, Loch Lomond & Forth Valley
The timeline of Scottish history has begun to unravel with the launch of a new tourism campaign called Forth’s Timeline.
More...Argyll, Loch Lomond & Forth Valley
A visit to Doune Castle, the chief location for cult movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail, is one of several activities across Argyll, Loch Lomond and Forth Valley to be voted amongst the most popular things to see and do in Scotland in an online survey.
More...Argyll, Loch Lomond & Forth Valley
Who said providing food in the park was a picnic? If you have a small to medium-sized business in the tourism or food industries within the National Park, then this free workshop in Balloch is your chance to share your experience and expertise and shape a smarter future.
More...Ayrshire & Arran
Last year we hosted a media visit from Jane Woodridge of the Miami Herald. Jane undertook an itinerary taking in Ayrshire and Fife and recently published a feature in the paper, which also appeared online.
More...Ayrshire & Arran
Legends of golf including Greg Norman, Sandy Lyle and Tom Watson all flocked to Royal Troon during July to take part in the 2008 Senior British Open Championship and VisitScotland was there.
More...Ayrshire & Arran
The first season at Dumfries House is now well underway and with a very encouraging number of visitors through the doors on the special guided tours package and the Antiques Roadshow, the feedback has been excellent.
More...Borders
Hotel and B&B guests expect to have TV as part of the services they receive when they stay. Unless you have made sure that all TVs in your establishment can receive a digital signal by 6 November this year, you will no longer be able to offer that service. This date is now only 86 days away.
More...Borders
A total of three accommodation providers in the Scottish Borders have claimed world class status with the unveiling of VisitScotland five star awards. Eckford Hall Steading B&B, Kelso, Buxton House B&B, Selkirk and Thirlestane Castle Serviced Apartments, Lauder have all claimed their place as top accommodation providers in Scotland.
More...Borders
UK-based developers Manor Kingdom Estates have revealed plans to create a luxurious 5 star hotel and conference facility in West Linton.
More...Borders
The Scottish Borders Tourism Partnership is due to meet at Borders Sport and Leisure in Selkirk on the 3 September to discuss various tourism matters from across the region. This will be an important meeting, with news of lots of projects which are well underway.
More...Dumfries & Galloway
The 2008 Scottish Stage of the Tour of Britain professional cycling race will finish at Drumlanrig Castle on Saturday 13 September and will be the second last Stage of an enhanced eight day Tour.
More...Dumfries & Galloway
The 12th Creetown Country Music Festival is being officially launched this month – and organisers are asking accommodation providers to check that their details are listed on the festival website.
More...Dumfries & Galloway
Government Minister Bruce Crawford MSP, viewed first hand the importance of mountain biking and adventure sports to Dumfries & Galloway when he visited Ae Forest as part of the Government’s summer tour.
More...Edinburgh & Lothians
The mystery of Rosslyn Chapel, the fun of the Edinburgh Fringe, the Old Town scares and East Lothian’s beautiful beaches have proved a hit as things to see and do in Scotland according
More...Edinburgh & Lothians
The Gathering 2009 will be organising a landmark celebration of Scotland's rich history and cultural traditions with an International Clan Gathering and Highland Games as part of Homecoming Scotland.
More...Edinburgh & Lothians
A major new music venue for the city is due to open this September.
More...Edinburgh & Lothians
NHS Lothian have produced a leaflet which describes the range of out-of-hours services provided by NHS Lothian which could be useful for visitors.
More...Edinburgh & Lothians
An online survey to evaluate the impact of VisitScotland’s Burns event held in London in association with Harvey Nichols has shown the promotion to be a great success.
More...Edinburgh & Lothians
General Register House and New Register House have combined facilities to create a purpose-built family history centre.
More...Edinburgh & Lothians
The Real Mary King’s Close officially opened their Royal Exchange Coffee House last month.
More...Fife
Scotland’s luxury resort, the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, has achieved Whisky Hotel of the World Supreme status
More...Fife
The first ever Fife Outdoor Access Festival will take place at the end of August.
More...Greater Glasgow & Clyde Valley
Our Summer 2008 campaign is in partnership with Highland Spring and aims to attract more visitors to Lanarkshire and the rest of Scotland this summer by showcasing many fantastic things to see and do in the area and across Scotland this summer.
More...Greater Glasgow & Clyde Valley
David Adams McGilp is VisitScotland’s new Regional Director for Glasgow and West Central Scotland.
More...Greater Glasgow & Clyde Valley
Brought to you by the Scottish Tourism Forum in partnership with Scottish Enterprise and Netdata, this workshop has been designed specifically for people working in the tourism industry.
More...Greater Glasgow & Clyde Valley
A very special exhibition of more than two centuries of Scottish and world history as chronicled on the front pages of The Herald is currently on display at Glasgow’s Mitchell Library, with the sponsorship of VisitScotland.
More...Greater Glasgow & Clyde Valley
At the end of July, Braehead’s Xscape complex celebrated its busiest ever week since the centre opened in March 2006.
More...Highlands
A highly regarded Indian travel journalist has been sampling some of the delights of the Highlands thanks to efforts from VisitScotland to raise the profile of the area internationally.
More...Highlands
The Culloden Visitor Centre will be a key part of the celebrations to encourage international family and friends to reconnect and engage with our heritage during Homecoming 2009.
More...Highlands
Scottish athletics legend Liz McColgan MBE has signed up to compete in the First Monster Challenge – a 120k team relay duathlon (running and cycling) around the shores of Loch Ness on September 13th.
More...Orkney
Orkney is continuing to be showcased across the UK and beyond, throughout the 2008 season, as the VisitOrkney and VisitScotland teams organise more press trips to the islands, to raise the destination’s profile.
More...Orkney
Visiting Highland Park Distillery is a popular Scottish holiday activity amongst the English according to the results of an online survey by VisitScotland. The survey asked UK visitors to submit their top ten things to see and do to showcase how people chose to spend their perfect day in Scotland.
More...Orkney
Government Minister for Energy, Enterprise & Tourism, Jim Mather, met with local tourism representatives on Monday 18 August, during a visit to Orkney, which formed part of his 2008 summer tour.
More...Outer Hebrides
Visiting the Outer Hebrides is a popular Scottish holiday activity amongst the English according to the results of an online by VisitScotland. The survey asked UK visitors to submit their top ten things to see and do to showcase how people chose to spend their perfect day in Scotland.
More...Outer Hebrides
A highly regarded Indian travel journalist has been sampling some of the delights of Harris and Lewis thanks to efforts from VisitScotland to raise the profile of the Outer Hebrides internationally.
More...Outer Hebrides
Who Cares Wins has launched a new, easy to use, online discussion forum for businesses in the Outer Hebrides. Aiming to encourage businesses to discuss topics that are relevant to them and post advice and best practice to help and support each other.
More...Outer Hebrides
Young entrepreneurs Lisa and Alasdair Maclean, who opened their Lewis guest house, ‘Crowberry’, in April this year, are enjoying four star success following their quality assurance grading from national tourism organisation, VisitScotland.
More...Perthshire
Perthshire’s increasing popularity as an adventure playground for thrill seekers has seen the region register in the top ten things to see and do in Scotland.
More...Perthshire
Organisers of Scotland’s premier sound and light show, The Enchanted Forest, have announced that this year’s tickets are selling at a pace four times faster than in 2007.
More...Perthshire
Perth College’s Targeting Tourism Employer Forum has developed an innovative, interactive coaching tool for businesses across Perthshire.
More...Perthshire
Scotland’s premier Celtic rock band, Runrig, have announced that they will play live in the magnificent parklands of Scone Palace on 29th August 2009, as part of the Homecoming Scotland celebrations.
More...Perthshire
Want to see an artist at work in their studio and get the chance to see over 100 artists exhibit work during one event?
More...Perthshire
The completion of the new riverside path from Grandtully to Aberfeldy and on to Kenmore (12 miles in total) demonstrates how determined members of a community can really make a positive difference to the area in which they live.
More...Perthshire
Following the launch of the Perthshire Big Tree Country DVD, Patrick Elsmie, Managing Director of The Gleneagles Hotel, officially launched a new guest contribution scheme.
More...Shetland
Discovering the spectacular cliffs of Eshaness in Shetland is a popular Scottish holiday activity amongst the English according to the results of an online survey by VisitScotland. The survey asked UK visitors to submit their top ten things to see and do to showcase how people chose to spend their perfect day in Scotland.
More...General
A new VisitScotland tourism campaign encouraging Scots to holiday at home was launched today (Tuesday, 19 August) by Culture Minister Linda Fabiani at award winning Perthshire adventure sports company Nae Limits.
More...General
‘Going Green’ has been developed by VisitScotland to help tourism businesses take steps to become more sustainable, giving them advice which will help them go on to become members of the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS).
More...General
VisitScotland’s International Marketing department are happy to announce the successful launch of two public transport itineraries in June 2008 as part of the Pan European touring campaign, these itineraries were launched as part of the VisitScotland commitment to sustainable tourism and as a response to consumer demand for public transport touring options.
More...General
Would you like to participate in the VisitScotland occupancy survey and receive monthly reports on the performance of your business? Being part of the survey will not only benefit your business but it will also boost the sample in your local area increasing the accuracy of the information we report and level of analysis we can provide.
More...General
The shortlisted finalists are announced for the 2008 Awards.
More...General
Golf Tourism Scotland have been commissioned by VisitScotland and Scottish Enterprise to undertake the 2008 Golf Tourism Monitor.
More...General
A round up of what the Business Tourism Unit will be doing in the upcoming months.
More...General
The VisitScotland Emerging Markets team calendar is jam-packed over the next few months as the team gears up for various sales missions and activities. This includes holding a series of workshops in Russia and Dubai, as well as hosting a dinner in Edinburgh for Indian Tour Operators attending TAAI, and offering various familiarisation trips, showcasing Scotland to them.
More...General
Scottish foody news does not get much better than the three page spread in the New York Times Travel Section in July. Top New York Food Critic Frank Bruni went undercover in the Highlands and put Scotland firmly on the gourmet map.
More...General
According to fire regulations, ‘Duty Holders’ must carry out a Fire Risk Assessment of their Bed & Breakfast premises.
More...General
What's been uploaded onto VisitScotland.org recently.
More...General
The Scottish Wildlife Tourism Association, Wild Scotland, are spreading the word about wildlife-watching in Scotland by taking to the airwaves with their new podcast.
More...General
If you own a business serving Scotland’s tourist trade, the chances are you will be a family business.
More...General
Overseas visitors to Scotland can now book their tickets online in advance of travel on First ScotRail trains.
More...General
Meadowhead Consultancy Ltd, who have run courses on Legionellosis control for Councils, the NHS, water treatment companies and the Environmental Protection Agency, have devised a cost efficient way of helping businesses to conduct their own risk assessment, and produce a log book.
More...Sustainable Tourism
An innovative company, based in Fife and known for their reusable eco bags, has out performed hundreds of green businesses and been named a Semi Finalist in the prestigious 2008 Barclays Commercial Bank Green Leaders in Business Awards.
More...
