Latest news with #VisitScotland
The Herald Scotland
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Visitors to Shetland 'twice as likely to be influenced by film and TV'
This compares to almost one in five visitors to Scotland (19%) who are inspired to visit by screen tourism. The hit BBC crime show, Shetland, returned for its ninth series in 2024 and is filmed across various locations on the islands, including Lerwick. Based on the books by Ann Cleeves, the TV series is broadcast around the world and Promote Shetland, the local destination marketing organisation, has created several self-guided tours of locations from the series for fans. Two separate Islands Visitor Surveys 2024 were carried out in Shetland and Orkney, commissioned by the respective islands councils, in partnership with VisitScotland. READ MORE: The surveys – which don't include cruise passengers – aim to identify visitor profiles, explore the visitor journey, evaluate their experience and determine the visitor volume and value. VisitScotland's own research revealed earlier this year how set-jetting – visitors choosing to visit the 'set' of their favourite Scotland-based film or TV show – is a rising consumer trend. Shetland is the most mentioned TV series by visitors outside of Outlander. The Shetland survey reveals that more than half of visitors take in an iconic location from the Shetland TV series (52%). The number of annual visits to Shetland was almost 89,000 in 2024, with 173,037 visits to Orkney. The survey also revealed that total annual spend by visitors to Shetland was approximately £50.3 million in 2024 and £78 million in Orkney. Chris Taylor, Destination Development Director for VisitScotland said: 'It's fantastic to see that our islands' renowned offering and welcome are continuing to earn praise from visitors across the world. However, we know our tourism and events industry continues to face challenges. 'Tourism and events are among our islands' most valuable sectors. Their success creates a ripple effect which powers a vibrant visitor economy. Visiting an island is something special. It is more than simply going on holiday; it is this cumulative impact which highlights why growing the visitor economy is so important - it is something that benefits us all. 'The added value tourism delivers can be felt right across our islands, in jobs, incomes and the services we all enjoy. 'It's not surprising that so many visitors were inspired to visit these beautiful islands after seeing them on screen or in books - this is evidenced by the set-jetting trend we are seeing, where visitors are looking for guided tours and opportunities to immerse themselves in the places they see on screen. 'I am also delighted that visitors' to both islands groups experiences such high satisfaction and that local people really added to their holiday experience. 'These surveys are a great piece of work that provide a good evidence-based platform on which to plan our sustainable tourism offer.'
Scottish Sun
12 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
The stunning Scottish beaches perfect for a weekend visit – and you don't need the car
Leave the car at home and let the train take the strain on a trip to some of Scotland's glorious coasts SANDS GOOD The stunning Scottish beaches perfect for a weekend visit – and you don't need the car Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) As longer days and warmer weather continue, many of us will be planning days and weekends away to Scotland's stunning sandy shores. Our coasts offer breathtaking, often-overlooked beaches, with many easily reached by train, bus, or ferry - so leave the car at home and enjoy days away without the stress of driving, traffic jams and hunting for parking spaces. From cityside sands to hidden bays along scenic rail routes, these accessible spots are ideal for spontaneous day trips or last-minute breaks, to enjoy ice cream by the sea and the soothing lull of gentle waves. VisitScotland has put together a handy list of just some of the country's most convenient coastal getaways, with nearby accommodation available for a carefree and car-free summer escape. Lossiemouth in Moray, nicknamed 'The Riviera of the North', has two stunning beaches, one to the East and one to the West, flanking the harbour. 7 Lossiemouth East Beach, Credit: Alamy Much of this beautiful coast town sits atop a cliff with spectacular views. The West Beach is dominated by the iconic Covesea Lighthouse, operated by the local community (well worth a visit) and is situated next to Moray Golf Club. The East meets the town at the mouth of the River Lossie (where the town got its name) and has beautiful beaches and sand dunes. Both beaches offer opportunities to swim, surf, sail, or head out on boat trips for dolphin-spotting. Get the train to Aberdeen from wherever you are in Scotland, then jump on the raisl again for hte hour and a hlaf jiourney to Elgin where the 33A or C bus will take you to Lossiemouth in just 20 minutes. Planning on staying? Check into the Lossiemouth House, an 18th century bed and breakfast located a short walk away from the beautiful white sandy East beach, from £130 per night. Largs in Ayrshire is a classic seaside town with a promenade, pebble beach, and fish 'n' chips on hand. 7 Largs town and beach Bonus? Take the ferry across to Cumbrae (also known as Millport) for more sandy shores and the option to hire a bike and cycle around the island for a brilliant day out. Take the train from Glasgow Central to Largs (under 1 hour, direct), then walk five minutes to the beach or the ferry terminal for Cumbrae. Stay at The Old Rectory in Largs, a five-minute stroll along from the promenade into town, with sea view rooms from £65 per night B&B. Gullane Bents in East Lothian has won Scotland's Beach Award an hugely impressive 31 years in a row - so its definitely worth a trip. 7 Gullane Bents and beach in Gullane , East Lothian Credit: Alamy It's a popular beach for walking, sunbathing and windsurfing. There's also the option to walk to Gullane Point for spectacular views over the bay and the Firth of Forth. Get there from Edinburgh Waverley to Drem (30 minutes), then bus 124 or X5 to Gullane (15–20 minutes). Stay at Little Archer a stylish loft apartment in the town, ideally situated for golfers and foodies with the three championship links golf courses and the the 5 Star AA award winning 'Bonnie Badger' restaurant located close by. Self Catering, from £425 per week. Ettrick Bay on the Isle of Bute is a golden crescent of sand on the island's west coast. It's a tranquil spot perfect for a leisurely stroll or a dip in the sea. 7 Ettrick Bay on the Isle of Bute, with the island of Inchmarnock and the mountains of Arran in the background. Credit: Alamy Don't miss the Ettrick Bay Stone Circle found further up the valley comprising eight stones, and to the south of the bay is a bird hide to look out for curious seabirds. And be sure to stop into Ettrick Bay Tearoom, which overlooks the beach, and enjoy a home-cooked meal, ice cream and stunning views of Arran. Take the train from Glasgow Central to Wemyss Bay (approx. 55 minutes), then board the CalMac ferry to Rothesay (35 minutes). From Rothesay, bus 490 or 493 takes around 20 minutes to Ettrick Bay. Stay at The Coach House at Stewart Hall, tucked away on the peaceful west coast, a true rural retreat. The self-contained, self-catering, west wing, looks out over the Sound of Bute and is set in three acres of quiet, mature ground, an ideal spot to slow down and soak up the island's natural beauty. Costs from £650 for a week. Lunan Bay in Angus is arguably one of Scotland's most photogenic beaches, with sweeping sands framed by dunes and distant cliffs. 7 LUNAN BAY Credit: Visit Scotland Take the train to Arbroath or Montrose and then hop on a short local bus , try Stagecoach 30/30A, or taxi. It's worth it for the serenity and the dramatic red ruins of Red Castle overlooking the bay. If you decided to stay longer then check out the Lunan House Hotel, which offers a range of rooms and on-site dining at Imrie's Bar & Grill, all set within scenic grounds just a short walk from the beach. From March to October, a 16-pitch touring campsite and a farm shop complete the coastal retreat experience. Costs from £50 per room per night. For those venturing north, Sinclair's Bay in Caithness is a windswept wonder with miles of pale sand and the romantic ruins of Castle Sinclair Girnigoe watching over the coast. 7 The long sandy beach of Sinclair's bay, near Noss Head and Wick in Caithness Credit: Alamy Travel by train from Inverness to Wick (it take over four hours but the scenery is spectacular) and either walk, cycle, get the Stagecoach 77 or 77A or take a short taxi ride to the bay. Time it right, and catch a spectacular sunset behind the castle, an unforgettable sight. Sinclair Bay Lodges, set on the seafront near Keiss Castle, are luxury glamping lodges offering sweeping views of Sinclair's Bay and Noss Head. Each features a private patio with jacuzzi, ideal for spotting dolphins, seals, and seabirds in the wild. From £150 - £250 per night (sleeps two). Arran in Ayrshire, was designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark in April, a prestigious recognition of the island's exceptional geological heritage. Every step along Arran's beaches unveils a piece of Scotland's geological history and its shoreline offers a mix of rugged beauty, wildlife, and soft sands. Visit The COAST Discovery Centre (free) in Lamlash to explore the island's marine biodiversity or join a guided shore scramble. Beaches stretch from Blackwaterfoot to Kildonan, perfect for relaxed exploration or a picnic. 7 Kildonan beach on the Isle of Arran Credit: Alamy It's easily accessible from Glasgow with direct train services between Glasgow Central and Ardrossan Harbour, while Troon is accessible by train with a connecting bus service to the harbour. Ferries depart from Ardrossan Harbour or Troon Harbour to Brodick. It is advisable to book ferry tickets in advance throughout the year, as services can be in high demand. One of the island's most popular places to stay is the Auchrannie Resort, featuring a serene spa, pool and excellent dining options. This family-friendly and dog-welcoming resort is the perfect fit for a luxurious getaway, with rooms from £200 per night for two. For more on Scotland's beaches see
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Daily Record
Ayrshire beaches named among best in Scotland
Eight Ayrshire beaches from Millport to Girvan have been named as winners of Scotland's Beach Awards. Eight of Ayrshire 's finest beaches have been named as some of the best in Scotland after winning recognition in the Scotland's Beach Awards. Ayr South Beach, Barassie Beach, Girvan Beach, Irvine Beach, Maidens Beach, Newton Beach at Millport, Prestwick Beach and Troon South Beach all met the criteria and high standards set out to be recognised. Scotland's Beach Award, organised by Keep Scotland Beautiful, celebrates the achievements of well managed beaches across Scotland. The prestigious flag helps visitors and locals chose where they want to visit, with the knowledge that the beach is being looked after for people and the environment. Only Fife with 13 award-winning beaches had more listed than Ayrshire as 52 beaches across Scotland were recognised. Both Maidens Beach and Troon South Beach have retained their award status for more than a decade - 12 and 10 years respectively - while Newton Beach on Great Cumbrae has made a comeback after flood defence works prevented it from entering over the past couple of years. Barry Fisher, CEO of Keep Scotland Beautiful said: 'Scotland's award-winning beaches demonstrate excellent beach management and we hope that all who visit this year play their part in keeping them beautiful. 'I'd like to congratulate all those who do so much to protect, maintain and enhance our beaches, protecting the sand and sea for us all to enjoy – from the local authorities to the communities who care so passionately about these phenomenal assets. 'Scotland's Beach Awards are the benchmark for quality, celebrating clean, well-managed and sustainable beaches and it is testament to those who look after them that so many have received awards over decades. 'We would love to encourage more communities to work towards accreditation of their beaches and are currently seeking sponsorship of the programme so we can enhance capacity and capability in communities which boast stunning beaches. 'Please get in touch if you can help us.' Vicki Miller, VisitScotland chief executive, said: 'Scotland has thousands of miles of coastline, providing a huge choice of beaches to enjoy stunning scenery and unique experiences. 'Whether visitors are looking for tranquil islands and rural escapes or the bustling cities and towns boasting serene shores, there is something for everyone. 'Congratulations to all the winners for their achievements. It is particularly encouraging to see some beaches making a return to the awards. This demonstrates a real dedication to improving the visitor experience and environment. 'Our communities, along with our natural and cultural heritage, are what make Scotland so special. It is vital we protect and preserve them for the future.' North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: 'Newton Beach has a long track record of receiving this national beach award and unfortunately due to the flood defence works it couldn't participate the past couple of years. 'We are delighted this high-quality beach and valued community asset has been recognised again.'
Sunday Post
6 days ago
- Sunday Post
Forget NC500, lesser-known routes are waiting to be explored by campervan
Get a weekly round-up of stories from The Sunday Post: Thank you for signing up to our Sunday Post newsletter. Something went wrong - please try again later. Sign Up The road snakes out ahead, rising and falling, twisting and turning for endless, timeless miles. One minute we pass through a canopy of native forest, the next a wide expanse of golden sand opens up, giving way to a mirror-like sea. Soon, the road carves a giant semi-circle into a cliff, leaving us peering nervously to the valley below. As the road rises once more, the sun dips behind a hill, silhouetting a stag on the summit like something out of a Visit Scotland advert. We have been driving for nearly four hours through this dreamscape of Munros, lochs and forests, but the last time we passed a car was an hour and a half ago – and it is quite simply glorious. We weave and bob along the empty roads, cruising from the high vantage point of a VW California campervan my family of four have hired from Roadsurfer, the world's leading motorhome and campervan company. © Shutterstock The camper eats up the miles with ease and the extra driving height and comfort of the seat make the hours in the cockpit a joy – which, coming from someone who doesn't always enjoy driving, is saying something. You'd be forgiven for associating a thrilling Scottish road trip with the now-famous North Coast 500, but our journey across a lesser-known part of the country merely shows that the NC500 isn't particularly unique. These roads, these scenes are scattered all over Scotland, just waiting to be discovered. In fact, it is precisely because of the NC500's popularity that we are determined to take the road less travelled. Our journey has taken us along the tourist trail through Callander and Crianlarich to Glencoe but from there we take a right at Ballachulish and board the Corran Ferry, a small car ferry that crosses Loch Linnhe to Ardgour. From Ardgour we travel on narrow roads out to the Ardnamurchan peninsula and the Ardnamurchan campsite. It is here that the VW California can fully stretch out and reveal all its party pieces. The van is a marvel of modern engineering, with every inch of space used to maximum effect. The camper has everything; a gas cooker, sink, outside shower, a table for dining, an electric heater for comfort during the night, tonnes of storage and of course two double beds (the pop-up roof bed is immediately claimed by the kids). © Shutterstock / Lukassek We crank up the heating and cosy in for the night. Our pitch facing the windswept Sound of Mull makes for a fantastic bedtime panorama. The next morning, we travel back down the road a mile to Kilchoan, a tiny hamlet that is the most westerly village in mainland Britain. We aim to return here later but for now we are straight onto another boat, the Kilchoan Ferry that runs between here and Tobermory on Mull. Tobermory is rammed with tourists, but thanks to taking the campervan (return ticket a bargain at £17.20), we can grab coffee, do a quick bit of souvenir shopping and then head out into Mull proper. Calgary Bay is a well-known beach but, seeing as how we are all about avoiding the tourist hotspots, we pick out Port na Ba beach, just along the coast. Parking is pretty much non-existent here but a helpful local tells us we can squeeze the camper in next to his house. From there it's about a 1km walk to the beach. But, oh my, it is worth it. Port na Ba is a picture postcard of golden sand, blue-green water and rocky cliffs and we slip into wetsuits for a swim on our private deserted beach. Back in Kilchoan, we opt to go for a little bit of comfort and have dinner at Kilchoan House Hotel, which is alive with locals who, like us, have just come off the ferry. The laughter and joking over good food and a few drams carry on well into the wee hours. The versatility of the campervan means the options for the journey are limitless in this wild, untamed corner of Scotland but we head for Ardnamurchan Lighthouse, the most westerly point on the British mainland. The road out to the lighthouse is completely empty so we are slightly perplexed when we arrive at a single traffic light, with the road ahead disappearing around a giant rock. We soon realise the reason as we slowly creep round the rock, the narrow road hugging the cliff with a vertiginous drop into the North Atlantic Ocean on one side. No room for passing places here. © Thomas Hawkins Highlighting the remoteness of this place, we need to retrace our steps for 20 minutes before we turn off and drive for another 20 minutes to get to our next destination, Sanna Beach. From the car park, all we can see is a wide plain of short grass that instantly puts us in mind of a links golf course. We zigzag through a labyrinth of sand dunes and soon an arcing disc of white sand and turquoise sea is all at once right in front of us. The kids spend ages catching crab, their leggings hitched up, wading in and out of the rocky pools. The only other person we see is a man whose dog is sprinting into the infinite sand ahead of him. It feels like we have found something special. A hidden road trip full of amazing wildlife, great food and breathtaking beauty. The best bit, however, is that these places are everywhere, you just have to hit the road and find them. All that is left for us is the long drive back home – and I can't wait to enjoy it. Factfile Roadsurfer offers more than 10,000 fully equipped motorhomes, campervans and RVs across the UK, Europe and North America. Enjoy flexible booking, unlimited mileage and the freedom to explore, your way. Visit for more information. Special offer From now until the end of August, Sunday Post readers get an exclusive discount of 10% off the cost of a Roadsurfer rental. Visit and enter the code RSFTHESUNDAYPOST at the checkout page.
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Job opportunity on 'incredible' Scottish island with live in accommodation
Four jobs on the picturesque isle are available. A number of job opportunities on an "incredible" Scottish island have come up. The positions come with live-in accommodation. At the moment, the Isle of Mull Hotel and Spa is looking to fill a number of roles. The hotel is situated in the island's village and main ferry port of Craignure. The hotel and spa is currently hiring a Food and Beverage Manager, a Leisure Attendant, a Room Attendant, and a Spa Therapist. All four positions are full-time, and involve around 40 hours of work per week. The main benefit of the jobs is that they all come with live-in accommodation in a dedicated block, as well as staff meals. Other benefits include staff discounts, career development opportunities, vouchers, and extra holiday days. The Food and Beverage Manager position pays a "competitive" salary of up to £33,000 per year. The successful applicant will also receive an "extensive benefits package". Main responsibilities will include managing day-to-day operations of the hotel's restaurant, ensuring high standards of service, and addressing guest complaints. Other tasks will include overseeing staff training, managing invoicing, and compiling weekly and period-end sales reports. Meanwhile, the Room Attendant job pays a salary of £12.60 per hour. As well as a benefit package, the successful applicant will receive a service charge of up to £2,000 per year. The main tasks of the Room Attendant include preparing guest bedrooms and bathrooms, assisting with laundry and linen, and refilling guest supplies. Additionally, the worker will clean corridor areas and complete any other duties requested by the Head Housekeeper. The Leisure Attendant will be based in the hotel's gym and swimming pool. Like the Room Attendant position, it pays an hourly wage of £12.60 and a service charge of up to £2,000 per year. The successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring the safety and enjoyment of guests in the gym, pool, and leisure areas. Tasks will include preparing the leisure club every morning, making sure all procedures are followed, and assisting with swimming lessons and acting as a lifeguard. Finally, the Isle of Mull Hotel and Spa is looking for a Spa Therapist for its spa. The job will involve providing expert spa therapies such as nail and waxing treatments and making sure every guest leaves feeling rejuvenated. When not working, the Isle of Mull has a huge variety of things to see and do. Described by VisitScotland as "incredible", the island is home to spectacular beaches, historic attractions, and plenty of opportunity for scenic walks. The main settlement on Mull is Tobermory, which is famous for its colourful seafront houses. The town also features a variety of cafés, restaurants, and pubs, as well as the Tobermory Distillery. The job listing states: "The Isle of Mull is the second largest island in the Inner Hebrides, on Scotland's west coast. What does that mean? Red deer, white tailed eagles and native otters; stunning sunrises across the water; a sense of space, peace and a quiet life. There's a really strong community amongst islanders, too. It also means 35 minutes' drive to the supermarket; 45 minutes on a ferry to the nearest cinema; a bus every two hours. The nearest airport is Glasgow, half a day's travel away. "These are the realities of life at the Isle of Mull Hotel Spa, where life takes on a slower pace in winter but is full on in summer. For our staff, these are all reasons why Mull has become home. The other draw is the welcoming environment they find living and working at our hotel." For further details about the jobs, visit the Indeed website. Meanwhile, more information about what you can get up to on the Isle of Mull can be found on VisitScotland.
