Latest news with #VisitScotland
Daily Record
a day ago
- Politics
- Daily Record
The Scottish island village with 'dramatic landscapes' where Donald Trump's mum was born
US President Donald Trump will visit Scotland later this month, returning to his mother's homeland. US President Donald Trump will visit Scotland next week, the White House has confirmed. The trip, taking place from July 25 to 29, will see him return to a country he often references as part of his family heritage. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the President is expected to visit both of his golf resorts in Scotland, Trump Turnberry in South Ayrshire and the Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire. As part of the official visit, President Trump will also meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Scotland's First Minister John Swinney. The meeting with the PM is scheduled to take place in Aberdeen, which Trump described as 'the oil capital of Europe'. Trump has long spoken of his strong personal connection to Scotland through his late mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, who was born and raised on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. According to VisitScotland: "With dramatic landscapes, a unique Gaelic culture and fascinating history, Lewis and Harris are a great place to start your Hebridean adventure. You will be blown away by wild mountains, immense white beaches, rugged coastlines and lunar landscapes." Born in 1912 in the village of Tong, about three miles from Stornoway, she left the island at the age of 18 to pursue work as a domestic servant in New York. Like many Scots in the early 20th century, Mary Anne emigrated to the United States in search of better opportunities. In 1936, she married Frederick Trump, a wealthy property developer and son of German immigrants. Together they had five children, with President Trump, known on the island as Donald John, their fourth. Mary Anne became a US citizen in 1942 and died in 2000, aged 88. Despite his frequent references to his Scottish roots, the president has not always been warmly received by the residents of his mother's home village. Her family hailed from the surrounding area, with the MacLeods on her father's side originating from Vatisker, just north of Tong. Tong itself has a distinct history of political and cultural identity. Between 1919 and 1921, the village, along with nearby Coll and Gress, was the site of a series of land raids, in which local men challenged absentee landlords by planting crops and dividing sheep-grazing estates into farmland. Tong's residents were regarded as some of the island's most extreme. In a 1990s collection of Stornoway slangs, the residents of Tong were still referred to as "Bolshiveeks." Locals in Tong have previously voiced frustration over Trump's lack of support for the community, contrasting his record with that of his sister and mother. 'He never gave a penny,' locals previously said, pointing out that Mary Anne MacLeod Trump helped fund the construction of the village hall in the 1970s. His older sister, Maryanne Trump Barry, also made a significant donation of £155,000 to a local care home and the Bethesda hospice. Residents have said the president is "feeding off" the legacy of his mother and sister without giving back to the island that shaped their early years. Tong remains a traditional crofting village, situated about four miles northeast of Stornoway. Crofting, weaving of Harris Tweed, and peat cutting are still part of daily life on the island. The area is also known for hosting the annual Lewis Highland Games and the Western Isles Strongman competition. Historically, Lewis was part of Norway until the 13th century, and by the 1800s Tong's economy relied heavily on fishing, farming and weaving. However, widespread land clearances in the late 19th century saw many tenants displaced in favour of large-scale sheep farms and deer forests.
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
UNESCO Trail 'has raised Scotland's profile as a holiday destination'
It found that the trail not only raised Scotland's profile as a holiday destination but also as a 'global leader' in promoting UNESCO values and responsible, sustainable tourism practices – with other countries inspired to create their own version. The evaluation reports that around one in twelve (8%) domestic visitors typically visit a UNESCO site while taking a holiday or short break in Scotland. This increases to around one in six (16%) for short-haul visitors and one in four (28%) for long-haul. Visitor surveys conducted in 2022 and 2023 found that around a quarter of visitors from key European markets were aware of the trail, rising to a third from UK and North America. Between 31% and 46% of visitors stated the trail was an important factor in their decision to visit a UNESCO site. The trail was most important for visitors to the Antonine Wall and New Lanark, followed by Shetland, Orkney, the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere and Old and New Towns of Edinburgh. READ MORE: Scotland's UNESCO Trail was launched as a digital trail in October 2021 – the first of its kind in the world – and included all 13 of Scotland's UNESCO designated sites at the time. The Flow Country, Perth City of Craft and Folk Art, and the Isle of Arran, which have since received UNESCO designation, have been added to the trail as it has been reworked. Scotland was the first nation in the world to create the pioneering initiative, developed through a unique partnership between VisitScotland, the Scottish Government, the UK National Commission for UNESCO, Historic Environment Scotland, NatureScot, the National Trust for Scotland and Scotland's UNESCO designations. The trail was designed specifically to support the ambitions of the national strategy to make Scotland a world-leading responsible tourism destination, encouraging visitors to stay longer and visit all year round in line with the country's responsible tourism ambitions. All of Scotland's UNESCO designations stated that the trail encouraged collaborative working between them and the wider tourism sector. Scotland's UNESCO Trail has received numerous accolades including a prestigious international award for responsible tourism ('Tourmag - Césars du Voyage Responsible' Award', Marseille March 2023), the Santagata Foundation Award and Wanderlust Sustainability Award (both November 2022). In 2024, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee inscribed the Flow Country as a World Heritage Site (Image: Sam Rose) Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: 'Each one of Scotland's UNESCO sites tells a story of Scotland's rich and varied culture, history and heritage. Together, they form a powerful showcase of Scotland's unique proposition as a year-round sustainable tourism destination. 'The UNESCO Trail has been a pioneering project led by VisitScotland in partnership with sites across the country and this analysis shows the clear value of the initiative as it helps build a compelling story that is attracting tourists and visitors from across the world to our incredible, unique UNESCO sites up and down the country.' Professor Anne Anderson OBE, Chair, UK National Commission for UNESCO, said: 'At the UK National Commission for UNESCO we are delighted with this final evaluation report of the award-winning Scotland UNESCO Trail. The Trail is an exemplar of how a national tourism board and a UNESCO National Commission can come together with a national network of UNESCO sites to create and deliver a product that has measurable positive visitor impact, and real-world social and economic benefits for local communities. 'The Scotland UNESCO Trail continues to resonate with UNESCO Member States around the world, who see this as a model to emulate. We would like to thank VisitScotland and the Scottish Government for their coordination and financial support of this truly valuable and ground-breaking initiative.' Vicki Miller, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said: 'Scotland's UNESCO Trail was a major milestone in Scotland's responsible tourism ambitions. It helped support our work to encourage visitors to slow down and immerse themselves in our marvellous regions, ensuring the benefits of the visitor economy are felt right across our communities. 'Scotland's UNESCO designations encapsulate much of what makes Scotland a must-visit must-return destination. It is our unique landscape, history, heritage and culture that keep visitors coming back. 'Partnership working is at the heart of all that we do, and the Trail was a real collaboration between the industry, our national partners, UNESCO sites and the Scottish Government to raise our destination's profile on the global stage. These results show that it not only captured the imagination of our visitors but helped develop new relationships between UNESCO sites and the wider tourism sector.'
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Tourism campaign boosts visitors numbers to Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere
The region is part of Scotland's UNESCO Trail, which is helping attract tourists from across the world. A tourism campaign is helping to boost visitor numbers to the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere. Scotland's UNESCO Trail was launched as a digital trail four years ago, linking UNESCO designated sites across the country. And a study into the impact of the trail has revealed it has helped boost Scotland's profile as a holiday destination. The research also found that the trail played an important part in nearly 40 per cent of visitors' decision to come to the UNESCO-designated biosphere. Biosphere director, Ed Forrest, said: 'We are proud and delighted that visitors recognise Scotland's UNESCO Trail as both unique and inspiring. Not only does the trail showcase a world class tourism offer across the whole of the country, it is a foundation on which we can continue to build sustainability within our UNESCO Biosphere's visitor economy, encouraging responsible behaviour alongside immersive learning about natural and cultural heritage. 'As an organisation working closely with local businesses and communities, we have been promoting Scotland's UNESCO Trail since its launch and supporting others to integrate its messaging into their own marketing. 'We are pleased to see the trail is increasingly being utilised by local businesses and attractions and know that they view it with pride, to be part of something that is valued globally. It's especially rewarding to see the micro and SMEs which are the backbone of tourism in our very rural area feel connectivity with other UNESCO sites. 'Scotland's UNESCO Trail is something we will continue to build on. For all the designations it encompasses our shared ethos of innovation and collaboration towards the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. It's a fantastic platform for our region's amazing visitor offering, especially our Biosphere Communities and tourism businesses accredited through our Biosphere Certification Mark scheme. 'The future for the UNESCO Trail and for low carbon, nature-friendly tourism across Scotland looks very exciting indeed.' The trail is the result of a partnership between VisitScotland, the Scottish Government, the UK National Commission for UNESCO, Historic Environment Scotland, NatureScot, the National Trust for Scotland and Scotland's UNESCO designations. Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: 'The UNESCO Trail has been a pioneering project led by VisitScotland in partnership with sites across the country and this analysis shows the clear value of the initiative as it helps build a compelling story that is attracting tourists and visitors from across the world to our incredible, unique UNESCO sites up and down the country.' VisitScotland chief executive, Vicki Miller, added: 'Scotland's UNESCO Trail was a major milestone in Scotland's responsible tourism ambitions. It helped support our work to encourage visitors to slow down and immerse themselves in our marvellous regions, ensuring the benefits of the visitor economy are felt right across our communities. 'Scotland's UNESCO designations encapsulate much of what makes Scotland a must-visit must-return destination. It is our unique landscape, history, heritage and culture that keep visitors coming back.'
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Scotland's eight ultimate island-hopping trips with hidden-gem beaches on-par with the Caribbean
Scroll down to see the top choices ISLE BE THERE Scotland's eight ultimate island-hopping trips with hidden-gem beaches on-par with the Caribbean Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ISLAND expert Steve Mathieson stood on the iconic Shetland beach of St Ninian's on Midsummer's Day and realised he had this incredible tourist attraction all to himself. The Shetland Development Manager for VistScotland has lived on our most northerly outpost for the last 21 years, but even he was amazed that he was the only person at the scenic spot on that sunny day in June. 5 Easdale Island is among the little-known trips 5 The beautiful Isle of Canna 5 Steve Mathieson is an isles expert And that's why he firmly believes Scotland is more than a match for Greece and the Caribbean when it comes to Island hopping. He said: 'If you've never heard of St Ninian's you will have most definitely seen pictures of it as it is one of Scotland's most iconic beaches. 'It's this incredible stretch of golden sand that connects St Ninian's Isle to the south mainland, which is actually called a tombolo. 'But there I was on Midsummer's Day, on the most popular beach in the Shetlands, all by myself. 'You just won't get that anywhere else - certainly not in the Caribbean or Greece. 'People talk about wellness and slow tourism, well nowhere does that better than the Scottish islands. These are the places you really can come to relax.' VisitScotland has now compiled a top 10 of Scots isles - many of which are little known - which they insist have unbeatable landscapes and scenery. Steve, 64, said: 'Island visits are becoming more popular particularly since Covid where people want to explore more remote areas at home. 'But our isles are incredibly diverse as you've got the west coast with the likes of Arran and Mull right up to Orkney and Shetland. 'They've all got their individual characteristics, with varied history and archaeology, as the Northern Isles have more of a Viking heritage while the West Coast has more of a Celtic background.' Luskentyre Beach: Scotland's Gem Among World's Best Steve maintains our isles can also offer tourism favourites like whale watching and water sports. He said: 'Our wildlife is absolutely spectacular. Shetland is becoming very well known for orca sightings while we also have the densest population of otters in the whole of Europe. 'On the West Coast, you'll see golden eagles and white-tailed sea eagles and Scotland also has absolutely world-class seabird colonies. 'We're also becoming renowned for being a kayak destination, with kayakers able to explore caves and the inlets - on a beautiful calm day there's nothing better to do.' And while our sunnier rivals' hot spots boast picture postcard beach scenes, Steve reckons Scotland's vastly different geology offers more variety. He explains: 'Our islands are very varied from a geology point of view as Shetland is actually a part of the Appalachian mountain chain that goes right across from America to Norway. 'While we're also on the Great Glen Fault line which means that we get the occasional earth tremor. 'But the thing about our islands is that they all look very different.' HOP TO IT ADVENTUROUS visitors have traditionally skipped between the Greek isles of Mykonos, Santorini and Crete or jumped between the British Virgin Islands, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. But VisitScotland chiefs have compiled a top 10 list of island escapes that they claim can also rival their sunnier rivals for golden sands. Chief Features Writer MATT BENDORIS checks out the top isles to hop between this summer. 1 - Gigha: Famous for its turquoise seas, white beaches, and vibrant gardens. 2 - The Slate Islands (Seil, Easdale & Luing): Easy to reach and full of heritage, wildlife, and local colour. 3 - Colonsay: Golden sands, scenic cycling, and delicious local food and drink. 4 - Jura: Wild and remote, home to stunning landscapes, rare wildlife, and legendary spirits. 5 - Eigg: Known for the dramatic Sgùrr of Eigg, Singing Sands, wildlife, and vibrant music scene. 6 - Lismore: 'The Great Garden' of Loch Linnhe, ideal for walkers, cyclists, and heritage explorers. 7 - Eriskay: Renowned for its white beaches, native Eriskay ponies, and links to Bonnie Prince Charlie and the film classic Whisky Galore. 8 - Canna: A peaceful haven for wildlife watching, wildflower meadows, and centuries of island history. 9 - Unst: The UK's northernmost island, celebrated for its Norse heritage, wildlife, and stargazing opportunities. 10 - Isle of May: A Firth of Forth gem, home to spectacular seabird colonies and rich natural history. When it comes to offering visitors a warm welcome, Steve believes that's where islanders really come into their own. He said: 'Scotland is probably known worldwide for giving tourists a really friendly welcome. 'But I think on the islands in particular, people love to show them off to visitors with all they have to offer.' And when the mercury hits the late 20s with the sun splitting the sky, as it did last weekend, Steve believes that our golden beaches and turquoise seas really do top the lot. He boasts: 'When it's hot and sunny, our islands not only rival other beaches around the world, they can outmatch them. 'That's because they have got the lot from beautiful scenery, great coastline, incredible wildlife, and more importantly, no crowds.' 5 The Isle of May is great for wildlife-spotting
The Herald Scotland
5 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Tourist chiefs call out Edinburgh on 'unworkable' levy
Businesses are expected to begin displaying an accurate levy to all guests on October 1 this year for all stays starting from July 24, 2026. However, with less than three months to go until October, tourism bosses says businesses are still waiting for the guidance they need. In a letter to the leader of City of Edinburgh Council, Jane Meagher, and all council members, a range of groups representing the Scottish tourism industry warn that the timeline for implementing the new levy 'remains unworkable at present'. 'The current roll-out timeline for business required to apply the levy places unnecessary and avoidable strain on the sector,' the letter states. 'With less than three months remaining before accommodation providers must begin displaying levy-inclusive pricing, there is still no practical or technical guidance from the council or VisitScotland, despite assurances this would be received like the guidance that was published for local authorities back in October 2024. 'While the levy may appear simple, its application is complex - particularly given the intricacies of accommodation pricing and booking systems. These challenges have been clearly communicated to the Scottish Government, VisitScotland, and the council and are at the heart of why guidance is imperative ahead of implementation. With no guidance, there can be no successful implementation. We urge the council to recognise the serious risk this lack of guidance poses - especially as [[Edinburgh]] leads the way as the first to charge a levy in Scotland.' I love Scotland but returning from holiday made my heart sink Edinburgh firm outguns forecasts after snubbing £1bn takeover approach 'We believe in Glasgow': Developer gives city huge vote of confidence Scots legal giant cites 'resilience and ambition' as latest results revealed The industry's frustration over the lack of guidance is the latest in a series of concerns business groups have highlighted over the operation of tourism taxes in Scotland. In May, nearly 80 groups representing thousands of tourism and hospitality businesses wrote to Minister for Public Finance Ivan McKee to underline their fears about the implementation of the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act. In the letter, business chiefs stated that the legislation as it stands will place the burden for collecting the tax on companies already under pressure from protracted cost inflation, and warned that operating the levy could tip many small operators over the value-added tax (VAT) threshold. This could lead to some withdrawing from the accommodation market because it would be financially prohibitive, the letter stated. Industry groups called for the legislation to be changed to make the system more workable. A proposal was tabled to replace the current model of charging tourists a percentage on the cost of an overnight stay with a fixed fee, and for a digital QR system to be introduced to remove the responsibility of collecting the tax from businesses. More generally, tourism chiefs have expressed concern that adding a tax to overnight stays in Edinburgh could undermine its competitiveness on the global tourism stage. The letter to City of [[Edinburgh]] Council, which was signed by bodies such as the Scottish Tourism Alliance, UK Hospitality (Scotland), [[Edinburgh]] Hotels Association, the Association of Scotland's Self Caterers, and the Association of Scotland's Visitor Attractions, adds: 'To be clear, as an industry we are not trying to halt the levy being applied in [[Edinburgh]] by July 24, 2026, but are asking for a realistic timeline for implementation ahead of this date to comply with what is legally required of us. 'This constitutes a new era for how accommodation is priced in Edinburgh and Scotland more broadly, and the levy will likely be with us for many years to come – it's therefore critical that the implementation is handled in a way that ensures long-term functionality and credibility.'
