2016 sees the launch of a new initiative by tourism organisation VisitScotland called the Spirit of Scotland. According to research, visitors to Scotland believe the country has a unique spirit, whether it’s the magic of the landscapes or the warmth of the people.
Now VisitScotland wants people to join the #ScotSpirit movement and to share their experience of the spirit of Scotland through the hashtag #ScotSpirit.
Visitors can post photos or write messages on social media using #ScotSpirit. At the same time, an interactive new website has also been launched to enable visitors to engage with Scotland in a whole new way, with cinematic imagery and information filtered by region and location.
8 ideas for #ScotSpirit opportunities
1 Take a photo at, or close to, the signpost for the far northern town of John O’Groats. You can visit the settlement on the North Coast 500 route.
2 Go stargazing at Scotland’s Dark Sky Park in Galloway. This is the UK’s first Dark Sky Park. You can meet the new Dark Sky Rangers and take in the wonders of the night sky and wildlife with Nocturnal Wildlife Tours.
3 Enjoy lunch on the Royal Deck tearoom aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, named as Scotland’s Best Visitor Attraction for the last 10 years.
4 Spot dolphins in the Moray Firth at Chanonry Point on the Black Isle.
5 Celebrate Scotland’s 2016 Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design at various locations in Scotland, including St Peter’s Seminary near Glasgow (to be reopened in March 2016) or during the Scotland-wide Festival of Architecture.
6 Watch the inaugural St Kilda Challenge yacht race, which will take place June 2016 in the Outer Hebrides. A good camera will capture some great photos.
7 Take a selfie at the most northerly mainland point in Scotland, Dunnet Head (also known as Easter Head) in Caithness, Highlands, or at the most southerly point, Mull of Galloway, Wigtownshire.
8 Visit the impressive Crawick Multiverse, created by landscape artist Charles Jencks in Dumfries & Galloway. Whatever the weather, the art design that links the themes of space, astronomy and cosmology, offers plentiful opportunities for amazing photography.
Then, simply share your photos on social media with the #ScotSpirit