Visitors encouraged to head to the Highlands this Spring
Visitors from across Scotland are being encouraged to come to the Highlands during April, as part of a major initiative between VisitScotland and Scotland’s major transport providers.
The Big April Adventures special ballot has come on the back of a unique celebration of one of Scotland’s most famous explorers during this Year of Natural Scotland 2013.
The first ever John Muir Day will take place on April 21, celebrating the 175th anniversary of the birth of Scottish-born explorer and “father of National Parks’”, who is revered around the world.
VisitScotland in collaboration with Scotland’s major transport providers, ScotRail, Calmac, NorthLink, and Stagecoach/Citylink have contributed more than 20,000 tickets for free or discounted travel as part of the Big April Adventures promotion during the month of April.
Offering Scots the opportunity to rediscover childhood haunts or explore new destinations, accommodation deals, attractions and activities will also be available online for those wishing to make the most of an April adventure.
The aim of Year of Natural Scotland 2013 is to promote Scotland’s stunning natural beauty and biodiversity, and promote ways in which visitors can enjoy our beautiful landscapes, wildlife and heritage responsibly. It provides an opportunity to celebrate our reputation as a land of outstanding beauty, and encourage responsible tourism in Scotland.
Scott Armstrong, VisitScotland’s Regional Director, said: “The Big April Adventures is all about getting explorers from young to old out and about experiencing our wonderful country for themselves in this the Year of Natural Scotland. Through this initiative we’ll be making sure that thousands of people will be going to all corners of Scotland over land and sea, experiencing new adventures and landscapes just like one of our greatest explorers, John Muir.
We are extremely grateful to our transport partners across the country, as without their help and enthusiasm this initiative would not be possible.”
Fergus Ewing MSP, Tourism Minister, said: “The Big April Adventures will let Scots take their inspiration from John Muir and get out and explore our beaches, mountains and glens and see wildlife in its natural habitat during the Year of Natural Scotland.
“Thousands of people can benefit from free or discounted travel during the month and this is an excellent opportunity to make new discoveries and enjoy all that Scotland has to offer.”
Caledonian MacBrayne have provided 10,000 tickets (foot passengers only),ScotRail 5,000 tickets, Northlink 200 tickets (foot passenger only) and Stagecoach & Citylink 5,000 money-off vouchers to the value of £10.
Martin Dorchester, Managing Director of CalMac said: "We are looking forward to welcoming "Big April Adventurers" on board our ferries, especially those who have not sailed with us before. We are sure they will have a memorable experience and be inspired to travel with us again and again as well as tell their family and friends how much Scotland's islands have to offer."
Steve Montgomery, Managing Director of ScotRail, said: "Leisure travellers now account for around 50% of our passenger journeys so we are delighted to play our part in encouraging people to explore Scotland by train."
Stuart Garrett, managing director of NorthLink Ferries said:
“Having recently launched our marketing campaign 'Far Isn't Far' to encourage people to visit the Northern Isles we jumped at the chance to get involved with Scotland's Big April Adventures.
'We should all take the time to explore our homeland and I very much hope that the lucky winners will enjoy exploring Orkney and Shetland this Spring time.”
The Big April Adventures promotion complements the range of events and activities already taking place throughout Scotland this April. Tickets for the Big April Adventures are available through www.visitscotland.com/BigAprilAdventures with weekly winners drawn on a random basis in the form of the ballot which will open for applications on Saturday 23 February. Terms and conditions apply.
