Scottish Tourism News

Oympic rings will not be displayed on Edinburgh Castle - Press Release from Historic Scotland

hwatterott@gmail.com (Administrator) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:18:21 +0000

Olympic Rings display on Edinburgh Castle decision

Historic Scotland has today issued it’s decision on the proposal to display the Olympic Rings on Edinburgh Castle. “Historic Scotland has taken the decision not to permit the Olympic Rings to be displayed on the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle. “Following careful consideration it is clear that the proposal would not be suitable for the successful operation of Scotland’s most popular heritage attraction.

“It may well be that there are other more suitable sites in Edinburgh, and the Scottish Government and agencies will work with LOCOG and The City Edinburgh of Council to do what we can to assist with the consideration of alternatives. “We fully support the Olympic Games and we look forward to hosting the Speed of Light event on Arthurs Seat to combine visual art with sporting endeavour and a number of our sites are on the Olympic Torch Relay route, including Edinburgh.”

Scotland's Winter Festivals

hwatterott@gmail.com (Administrator) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:25:36 +0000

Scots and Scots at heart, both at home and abroad, are gearing up to celebrate all that is great about the nation during this year's Scotland's Winter Festivals.The season of celebrations to mark Scotland's distinct culture, unique heritage and creativity runs from St Andrew's Day on November 30 through Hogmanay to Burns Season at the end of January and will bring together lovers of all things Scottish from across the globe.

A three year celebration of creativity

hwatterott@gmail.com (Administrator) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 12:39:49 +0000

Opportunities for Scotland to shine 2012 to 2014
Ambitious plans for a three-year world-class celebration of Scottish culture and creativity have today been announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs.

Tourism body loses chief executive

hwatterott@gmail.com (Administrator) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:27:52 +0000

The chief executive of the Scottish Tourism Forum quits due to financial pressure on the industry body.

Story From the Scotsman
THE chief executive of Scottish tourism’s main industry body has quit after a cash crisis brought it to the brink of collapse.

Scottish food and drink takes centre stage

hwatterott@gmail.com (Administrator) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:20:22 +0000

"The record number of exhibitors showcasing their quality products at the world's largest food and drink trade show cements our place on the international stage"

Scotland's best food and drink products will be on show in Germany at the world's largest food and drink trade fair.

A strong future for women at ‘The Home of Golf’

hwatterott@gmail.com (Administrator) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 12:38:04 +0000

The RICOH Women’s British Open tees off at Carnoustie Golf Links today (28 July) and the world’s best females are all out to get their hands on the trophy.

'Staycations' boost for Scottish tourism

hwatterott@gmail.com (Administrator) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:28:11 +0000

The number of visitors to Scotland from other parts of the UK has increased in the past year, according to VisitScotland.

It said the strength of the "staycation" market had helped boost Scotland's economy.

Between January and June 2011, domestic tourism to Scotland rose by 6% the same period in 2010.

The total number of visits to Scotland, including those from outside the UK, rose by 4%.

Visitor spend for the half-year was estimated at £1.7bn.

Tourism in Scotland is heavily dependent on domestic visitors from England, Wales and Northern Ireland. They account for 84% of all trips to Scotland.

VisitScotland's chief executive Malcolm Roughead said: "These figures are very encouraging, particularly as other destinations across the globe are struggling to attract visitors.

"Earlier this year, we launched a major UK campaign, including a stronger focus on the Scottish market, and this is starting to pay dividends.

"However, we must not be complacent. The industry is still suffering from the global economic downturn and we need to continue to promote Scotland in key markets."

“Start Quote
The industry is still suffering from the global economic downturn and we need to continue to promote Scotland in key markets”
Malcolm Roughead - VisitScotland

From the BBC

Staycations help Scottish economy

hwatterott@gmail.com (Administrator) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 14:32:05 +0000

Scotland's tourism businesses have a golden opportunity to exploit the growing market for staycations, Fergus Ewing said today. The Tourism Minister was commenting on a new report that showed Scotland is continuing to feel the positive effects of those holidaying at home, with Scots making 6.4 million overnight visits and spending £1 billion in Scotland last year.

Hopetoun House expands on quality food offering

hwatterott@gmail.com (Administrator) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 14:17:27 +0000

Hopetoun House rolls out new farm shop as part of five-year strategy supported by Scottish Enterprise.

£14.3 million European funding injection

hwatterott@gmail.com (Administrator) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 12:42:50 +0000

Around £14.3 million of European funding is to be invested to support Scotland's tourism sector, sustainable public transport, develop SMEs, build links between research and business and provide training opportunities.