Young talent recognised at Thistle Awards

The countdown to this year’s regional finals of the Scottish tourism Oscars is on. And to mark the occasion, a group of young rising stars of the industry celebrated their nomination with host Jennifer Reoch. Amy Paton (20) from Falkirk Community Trust and Craig MacDonald (20) owner of Transcend Escape Rooms and Wee Heroes in…

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New tourism strategy aims to promote Gaelic

A new tourism strategy aimed at increasing promotion and access to Gaelic as part of the Scottish visitor experience has been launched today. Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop officially launched the Gaelic Tourism Strategy for Scotland 2018-2023 at The Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh alongside Lord Thurso, Chair of VisitScotland…

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New bid to bring European visitors to Scotland

Scottish tourism businesses will seek to strengthen Scotland’s position in European visitor markets at the national tourism organisation’s first ever pan-European travel trade mission. The Scotland workshop, organised by VisitScotland, will bring together 40 Scottish suppliers and up to 40 representatives of key travel organisations from different European markets. Taking place in Amsterdam, Netherlands, from…

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Finalists revealed in Scottish tourism awards

The World’s Largest Ever Sleepout, Scotland’s Building Conservation Centre, silent disco dancing tours and Glasgow’s transport museum are among those in the running for this year’s Scottish Thistle Awards. The shortlist for the regional finals of the 2018/19 Scottish Thistle Awards, in association with Fishers, has been revealed, and sees some of the country’s biggest…

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It’s 20 years since the Britannia opened its doors

It’s hard to believe, but 19 October this year marks the 20th anniversary of The Royal Yacht Britannia first opening its doors as a visitor attraction in Edinburgh. The former Royal residence, berthed alongside Ocean Terminal in Leith, has been building up to its double decade birthday celebrations in commanding style. As well as retaining…

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Tourism is at the heart of Scotland, says First Minister

The First Minister has described Scotland’s tourism industry as ‘one of the most important, vibrant and successful sectors of the Scottish economy.’ Nicola Sturgeon MSP addressed Scotland’s tourism industry this morning at the Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) Autumn Conference at the EICC in Edinburgh. She said: ‘The on-going success of our tourism sector reflects the…

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Growing organic hospitality, retail and tourism

Scottish firms are being invited to eat, drink, sleep organic, this Organic September. On Tuesday 25 September, Soil Association Scotland are hosting an organic trade briefing and discursive panel event on the opportunities for organic hospitality, retail and tourism in Scotland. Taking place at the Barras Art & Design Centre, Glasgow, Eat, Drink, Sleep Organic,…

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20 years of cult Bollywood film shot in Scotland

Fans of the iconic Bollywood film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai will get the chance to follow in the ‘dance steps’ of their on-screen heroes in a new guide. Produced by VisitScotland, it comes as new figures reveal the total amount of spend by visitors from India has risen by 60% in the past 10 years…

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The impressive Scottish art trail you can listen to

An award-winning Scottish art trail has been developed with the launch of a free smartphone audio tour. The unique BLiSS trail links the Stirlingshire villages of Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Strathyre and St Fillans through a series of art and architecture installations. Developed by the Loch Earn Tourism Information (LETi) Group, the trail received the Innovation in…

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It’s a four star honour for Ashfield House

A 19th century house in the heart of Loch Lomond has been awarded a massive boost by VisitScotland. Ashfield House B&B, situated in the Arrochar Alps on the shores of Loch Long in the village of Arrochar, was upgraded from Four Stars by the national tourism organisation’s Quality Assurance (QA) Scheme in recognition of its…

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