Friendly Scots and stunning scenery

The friendly welcome of Scottish people and its stunning scenery were listed as the highlights of a holiday in Scotland in new research commissioned by national tourism body VisitScotland.

Visitors from England and Wales, Scotland, Germany, France, Italy and Canada took part in the survey between July and September last year. 72% of all visitors described Scotland’s scenery as the most important factor in choosing Scotland for a holiday with the friendly attitude of the locals also featuring highly.

When asked about the activities they participated in whilst in Scotland, the research showed that UK visitors welcomed the opportunity to take walks, tour the country, explore the scenery and generally relax:

78% of those visitors surveyed from the UK spent time exploring the Scottish scenery (lakes and mountains). VisitScotland’s White Winter Campaign gives prospective visitors access to over 170 of Scotland's finest hotels, guest houses, B&B's and self catering accommodation offering fantastic winter accommodation deals in the most scenic areas of Scotland.

The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park encompasses around 720 square miles of some of the finest scenery in Scotland with 20 Munros (mountains above 3,000ft) in the Park. The highest peak Ben More (1,174m) is considered one of Scotland’s most accessible Munros.

Stay at Achray House Hotel, Crieff, Perthshire, 3 nights for £99
3-star Achray House is situated within the banks of Loch Earn inside the boundaries of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Only 55 miles away from Glenshee, a ski centre with the largest ski lift system in the UK, it is an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding areas as well as sample one of the best winter sports seasons in Scotland for many years.

For more white winter offers visit Visitscotland.com/white. The White Winter promotion lasts until the end of March 2008

For information on snowsports and snow conditions visit visitscotland.com/ski.

85% of UK visitors went on short walks (less than 2 miles) during their visit to Scotland and 52% went hiking (longer than 2 miles). VisitScotland’s new Walk in Scotland 2008 brochure gives detailed information and route maps for 54 great walks, information on long distance routes, walking events and festivals, accommodation and outdoor access. The dedicated VisitScotland walking web site includes more than 900 walking routes, 59 walking operators and the walkers welcome scheme has 1300 members across Scotland.

To obtain a copy log onto Visitscotland.com/walking

According to the research, 68% of UK visitors enjoyed touring around the country with many enjoying its cafes and tea shops. The best cafes in Scotland (according to the public) will be officially recognised in a new Scottish Café trail launching in March. Nominations included memorable café experiences based on the location, nearby activities, atmosphere, service or simply amazing cakes.

For more information on the Scottish Café Trail log onto Visitscotland.com/cafedays

Nearly two thirds of all UK visitors (59%) enjoyed wildlife watching whilst in Scotland. Winter brings a flurry of wildlife activity in Scotland. The high tops attract only the hardiest of species such as the ptarmigan and mountain hare, whilst the coast is the time of year to see thousands of migratory species. Scotland is home to three quarters of the British population of red squirrels and winter is one of the best times of year to see this endangered species.

VisitScotland’s UK & Ireland Group Marketing Manager Helen Campbell commented: “People love to visit Scotland for its pristine landscapes and the feeling that here they can really get away from it all. We have put in place a variety of initiatives to enhance the visitor, offer them value for money and provide them with the necessary tools for making the most of their stay.”