Tourism Archives - Page 2 of 2

VisitScotland launches logo design competition

June 16, 2015

Calling all young creatives in the Outer Hebrides!

Fancy seeing your design used as the logo promoting Scotland’s 2016 Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design?

As Scotland looks to its Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design in 2016, VisitScotland, Scotland’s national tourism organisation, is putting young design talent at the heart of plans and is inviting young creatives in the Outer Hebrides to design the official logo used to promote the year.

The designer whose logo is selected will win up to £3,000 towards materials, tools or activity to support their own professional development in the design sector.

From textiles to technology, architecture to fashion and design, the year-long programme of events, festivals, business conferences and exhibitions aimed at attracting participation and engagement from visitors and locals, will shine the spotlight on Scotland’s greatest assets and icons, as well as some of our unique hidden gems.

The winning design will become the official logo for the forthcoming themed year and will be used across multiple channels by VisitScotland and partner organisations across national and international promotional activity throughout 2015 and 2016.

The competition is a great opportunity for a young creative to add a design to their portfolio that has the potential to be seen by millions of people and become highly recognisable during the year. The winner will also be able to see their logo design carried across a programme of major and special events due to take place throughout 2016.

Minister for Tourism Fergus Ewing said: “Scotland’s incredible influence on the world has encouraged invention, inspired creativity and fired the imagination of generations. It is fitting that for the 2016 Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design, VisitScotland are creating the opportunity for young talent in Scotland to design the logo for a year that will be used to encapsulate all that is great about Scotland.”

Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for a young creative mind to show their vision and skills to the world. Scotland has a rich history in innovation, architecture and design and we will be looking for an exciting logo which reflects this. The themed years have been a huge success and the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design will capture the imagination of visitors from all over the world.”

The judging panel, consisting of experts from across the themed year sectors, will look for a contemporary, eye-catching, practical design that can be used across a variety of different channels and alongside partner logos.

Entries to the competition must be from individuals aged between 16 and 25 years of age, who are resident in Scotland.

Visit http://www.eventscotland.org/funding/year-of-innovation-architecture-and-design-2016/logo-competition/ to download an Entry Form, Design Brief and full Terms and Conditions. Designs should be submitted via e-mail to communications@eventscotland.org.

The closing date for entries is Sunday 12 July 2015 (at midnight). The winning design will be announced thereafter.

New book on Scottish links golf set to feature island courses

June 11, 2015

Tom Coyne teeing off. Photo: Kevin Kirk/Recounter.co.uk

American author and journalist Tom Coyne will be visiting the Outer Hebrides later this month, to experience some of the region’s stunning golf courses.

Working alongside VisitScotland, the best-selling golf and travel writer is currently travelling around the country on a fact-finding mission for his latest book, ‘A Course Called the Kingdom: in Search of Scotland, a Secret and a Jug.’

The book will follow Tom’s quest to master links golf in Scotland by playing more than 100 of the country’s top courses in just 57 days. And if his mission is successful, it will enable him to qualify for this year’s Open Golf Championship, which takes place at St Andrews from 16th to 19th July.

Tom’s visit to the Outer Hebrides will see him play at golf clubs in Barra, Askernish and Harris between 18th and 20th June.

Over 150 years ago, Scotland became the home of open golf when, on a windy morning in 1860, eight sportsmen stepped out onto the greens at Prestwick in Ayrshire in what was the start of professional golf as we know it today.

Since that first-ever round of the Open, it is now the world’s oldest and most prestigious professional golf tournament and one of the leading events in the global sporting calendar. Synonymous with Scotland, The Open has been played 93 times out of 143 here and it is worth in the region of £100m in combined economic and media value. Regularly returning to its Scottish roots, the championship will be back next year at Royal Troon.

In addition to commissioning Tom to write a VisitScotland post-trip blog describing the highlights of his golf tour of the country and favourite courses, the national tourism organisation has helped arrange Tom’s itinerary. It is hoped that media coverage on Tom’s mission to conquer over 100 Scottish courses, and the resultant book itself, will encourage even more visitors to come to play golf in Scotland, the home of golf.

Tom is the author of three books, the third of which, ‘A Course Called Ireland: A Long Walk in Search of a Country, a Pint and the Next Tee’ chronicled his quest to golf the whole of Ireland. The book was a New York Times, American Booksellers Association, and Barnes & Noble bestseller, and won a silver medal from the Society of American Travel Writers in the category of Best Travel Book of the Year.

Alan Mackenzie, VisitScotland Islands Manager, said: “Scotland is the country that gave golf to the world, and with more links courses than any other country it was the perfect location for Tom’s bid to master links golf ahead of trying to qualify for the Open.

“Tourism is more than a holiday experience – it creates jobs, sustains communities and provides an international shop window for Scotland. Golf is massively important to Scotland, with every £1 spent on green fees generating a further £5 on extras such as hotels, restaurants and retail.

“We look forward to welcoming Tom to the Outer Hebrides, wish him all the best with his tour and attempt to qualify for the Open, and look forward to reading his book on Scotland’s links courses, which I’m sure will encourage many more visitors to come here to experience these for themselves.”

Tom Coyne commented: “I’m really looking forward to coming to the Outer Hebrides, which has a great reputation for its first-class golf courses offering spectacular views. I just wish my visit was longer and I could stay on to not only play more golf here but also to explore the other attractions of the region. Unfortunately, my time is very limited because the clock is ticking on my 57-day challenge, but that gives me a good excuse to come back in the future to enjoy more of what’s on offer in this beautiful part of the country.”

Golf was first played in Scotland more than 600 years ago and today the country is home to more than 550 courses, 400 of which are within an hour of a city or airport. 700,000 rounds of golf are played by around 135,000 golf visitors each year in Scotland and overall it is estimated that golf tourism is worth £220m to Scotland annually, supporting around 4,400 jobs.

CalMac launches refreshed website

March 16, 2015

As part of a major, on-going technology investment programme, Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) has relaunched its website www.calmac.co.uk with a bright new look.

Designed to further enhance customer experience, the website is clean and fresh with new content and destination features, including an interactive map.

The map can be tailored by the user to show destinations, ports and routes, and is designed to help island visitors visualise the full scale of the network, allowing them to make more informed choices.

Hovering the cursor over each marker on the map will show the user where it is, clicking on it will bring up useful information either about the destination itself or about the port and its facilities.

Comprehensive guides to all the areas and islands served by Caledonian MacBrayne are now available, including links to island community websites and blogs, helping visitors to get an even more authentic feel for their destination of choice.

The website will also detect and automatically scale for use on any device, from smart phones to tablets and desktops.

Booking functionality has not changed, though it is part of a larger project which will roll out over the year and, in due course, will become part of a more integrated system.

“The enhancements to the website are the result of understanding our customers and responding to their feedback,” said Cathy Craig, Caledonian MacBrayne’s Commercial Director.

“Our team at CalMac has worked very hard not only to create a usable and appealing site, but to really give our customers more of what they have told us they want.

“It is a great success and has been well-received – the interactive map, in particular, was something prospective visitors had been asking for. For those who were unfamiliar with our beautiful west coast islands and highlands, many had said they found it difficult, on occasion, to understand the geography and the true scale of the network, as well as how to link with other transport modes.

“We also now have built in detection on the site so that it will automatically scale depending on which type of device is used for access.”

The website refresh is stage one of an ambitious and wide-ranging technology programme, which will, in due course, bring wi-fi to all ships and ports throughout the network, mobile ticketing and an improved customer app which will effectively serve as a personalised account for bookings, mobile boarding cards, disruptions and customised promotions. Smart ticketing trials will also begin in spring at a number of ports.

This is a long-term commitment to improving customer services with further enhancements planned for the coming months. The site address is www.calmac.co.uk and feedback comments can be emailed to enquiries@calmac.co.uk.

Owned by the Scottish Government, CalMac operates the UK’s largest ferry network, carrying 4.65 million passengers, 1.1 million cars and more than 92,000 commercial vehicles in 2014 alone.

The move is in line with CalMac’s drive towards achieving the Scottish Government’s key transport objectives with the aim of improving social inclusion, particularly with more integrated networks around the islands, and certainly also fulfils the target to be more efficient and co-ordinated.

Tourism meetings in North Uist, South Uist and Barra

February 12, 2015

A series of meetings will be hosted by Outer Hebrides Tourism (OHT) in North Uist, South Uist and Barra next week.

OHT writes:

We were due to hold a networking event towards the end of last year, but had to cancel because of the weather.

We now plan to hold meetings in North Uist, South Uist and Barra next week on Wednesday 18^th February 2015.

The main focus of the meeting will be ferry services provision to the Southern Isles but you will also be able to learn more about the work we are doing to promote the Outer Hebrides, how Outer Hebrides Tourism membership can support your business and you can share your ideas on how we can continue to work for the benefit of all our tourism businesses across the islands.

While much of the focus in recent weeks has necessarily been on ferry provision into Lewis, OHT is aware of the equally significant problems affecting capacity and frequency of service to Uist and Barra.

We want to give anyone with tourism related businesses in Uist and Barra the opportunity to voice their concerns about current ferry provision, and in particular about how it should be improved. It is critical that the voice of the industry is heard at this time. We are looking for constructive industry input and motivated individuals who can help take forward the message to both Calmac and the Scottish Government.

To ensure your voice is heard on this issue which is fundamental to the success of the tourism sector in Uist and Barra, please come along to one of the following events being held next week.

North Uist – 11.00am Wednesday 18^th February 2015, Claddach Kirkibost
South Uist – 3:00pm Wednesday 18^th February 2015, Stoneybridge Hall
Barra – 7:30pm Wednesday 18^th February 2015, (Venue tbc)

We want to help each island/area to organise a coordinated and focused campaign that will highlight the inadequate level of ferry service we all experience.

The biggest frustration is that there is great potential for Tourism to grow in the Outer Hebrides but the lack of focus on our transport infrastructure has led to the current situation where visitors want to come, beds are available but there is no space on the ferries for them to get here.

Each event will kick off with a presentation by OHT Director Donald MacArthur on the ferry availability research project. The data from this research has been key to OHT’s campaign for increased ferry capacity. It has highlighted the huge pressure our ferries services are under during the summer. Click here to view the report.

OHT local Directors will also be present and available to take forward your views and comments at any time: Guy Adams (Barra), Alan Graham (South Uist & Benbecula), Andrew Ross (North Uist), Mairi Thomson (Industry Support Officer).

This is your opportunity to get involved and join us in our campaign to radically improve the ferry services to the Outer Hebrides.

Please confirm attendance by emailing Mairi@tourism-hebrides.co.uk

£52k marketing boost for Outer Hebrides

February 2, 2015

Calanais Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis.

A £52,000 campaign to inspire people to visit the Outer Hebrides this spring and summer is being launched this week by VisitScotland, in partnership with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.

The Outer Hebrides has long been a popular destination for visitors and the chain of islands boast a number of attractions, including the Calanais Standing Stones, the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village and Carloway Broch on the Isle of Lewis; Luskentyre Beach and the Harris Tweed Company on the Isle of Harris; and the RSPB Balranald Nature Reserve on North Uist.

Going on sea trips and expeditions are also a ‘must’ for people visiting the islands and a number of events, including the Hebridean Celtic Festival, Sail Stornoway Maritime Festival and Harris Arts Festival, attract thousands of visitors every summer.

The campaign, which launches on Tuesday 2nd February and complements VisitScotland’s Brilliant Moments campaign, will encourage visits during the spring and summer of 2015.

The new campaign will include press and radio advertising, e-zines and direct mail to consumers, targeting around 33,000 people who have expressed an interest in visiting the Outer Hebrides.

The direct mail brochure features stunning images of the islands, including the medieval Kisimul Castle in Castlebay, on the Isle of Barra, and East Beach, on the Isle of Vatersay. It will also involve digital activity, including Facebook posts, e-mails and online banners.

Tourism Minister, Fergus Ewing said: “The Outer Hebrides are beautiful islands and a popular destination for many tourists. They have a rich heritage and are full of culture with something for everyone to see and visit. Tourism is vital for helping to support and sustain some of our most fragile communities and this new campaign is a chance to spotlight, celebrate and promote Scotland’s natural larder and quality produce to Scots and visitors alike during the 2015 Year of Food and Drink.

“Part of the charm of the Outer Hebrides is the travel to and from the islands, by sea or air, landing on the beach at Barra or sailing into the historic port of Stornoway which celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. The Scottish Government is investing around £60 million in a new vessel, the MV Loch Seaforth, and accompanying harbour works at Stornoway and Ullapool.

“I will be taking my family to holiday in the Western Isles again this summer. So I am putting my money where my mouth is. We found it last summer as close to paradise as it is possible to get on this earth!”

Alan Mackenzie, VisitScotland Islands Manager, said: “We have worked in partnership with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to deliver this marketing campaign which shows exactly why the Outer Hebrides is such a must-visit destination for visitors from around the globe every year.

“This is Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink, so our dedicated campaign is reaching the strongest target markets for encouraging more people to come the Outer Hebrides through the spring and summer, when they can enjoy the huge variety of fresh, locally-produced food and drink on offer throughout the islands.”

Cllr Alasdair Macleod, Chair of Sustainable Development Committee at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said: “I welcome the launch of this campaign and I believe it will have significant economic benefits for our islands. The Outer Hebrides offer the visitor stunning scenery, rich archaeological and cultural treasures and a magical Hebridean ambience. Fantastic natural produce from land and sea, including the internationally recognised Stornoway black pudding, are among the many other ingredients that make the Outer Hebrides a must-see destination, particularly as this is Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink.”

For further information about visiting the Outer Hebrides:

www.visitscotland.com/outerhebrides

Outer Hebrides shortlisted in BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards

January 16, 2015

It’s home to some of the most stunning scenery in Scotland and is regularly praised for its natural beauty, but now the Outer Hebrides could be named best in Britain.

The region has been nominated twice in the annual BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards, with the public now being invited to vote for their winners.

Stretching from the Isle of Lewis down to Vatersay, the Outer Hebrides is home to rich history, unique food and drink, rare wildlife and a strong Gaelic culture, making it a popular draw for visitors from across the world.

As one of the UK’s most remote beaches, Eoropie on the Isle of Lewis will go up against Scarborough, Whitesands, Portrush in Northern Ireland and Sennan in Cornwall in the Beach of the Year category.

Whilst, the Outer Hebrides as a whole will compete to be named Holiday Destination of the Year facing competition from the Isles of Scilly, West Sussex, Yorkshire and the Lake District.

Welcoming the news that the Outer Hebrides was in the running for two titles, VisitScotland Island Manager Alan MacKenzie said: “The Outer Hebrides is an incredibly special place and a chance to experience the best that wild Scotland has to offer. I’m delighted to hear that the region has been shortlisted twice and hope that being shortlisted in these awards will cement the Outer Hebrides reputation as a fantastic place to visit and explore. I know the Outer Hebrides is the best in Britain now I hope the public will join me in making it official!”

Ian Fordham, Chairman, Outer Hebrides Tourism Community Interest Company, added: “The Outer Hebrides is one of the most unique destinations in the UK, offering a “must do” island hopping experience, with fantastic beaches, landscape, wildlife and culture, and we are delighted to be shortlisted twice in the Countryfile awards.

Already crowned best European Island destination by Tripadvisor, we want anyone with an interest in the Outer Hebrides to go to www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/vote-for-us to see what we have to offer, and cast a vote.”

Fergus Collins, editor of BBC Countryfile Magazine, commented: “This is a fun opportunity for the magazine editorial team and our readers to show our appreciation for the countryside – the places we love to explore and the people who work so hard to conserve landscapes and wildlife. Scotland’s natural beauty and diversity shine through in these awards with nominations in almost every category – from wildlife success stories and nature reserves brimming with life to magical beaches and gorgeous public gardens. ”
Now in its fourth year, the BBC Countryfile Magazines Awards are a celebration of the UK countryside and its people, from favourite holiday destinations to Landmark of the Year and even the finest rural pubs. In total Scotland is represented in 8 of the 12 categories. Voting closes on 31 January.

To view the whole shortlist and cast your vote please visit http://www.countryfile.com/awards2014-15.

VisitScotland launches logo design competition

New book on Scottish links golf set to feature island courses

CalMac launches refreshed website

Tourism meetings in North Uist, South Uist and Barra

£52k marketing boost for Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides shortlisted in BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards

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