Argyll invades Glasgow
WITH more than 325 people registered for the evening, and a gaggle of excited Beaumont fans chancing it at the door, it was going to be a packed out Òran Mór for the launch of a new campaign promoting Argyll.
Wild About Argyll is a year-long marketing campaign led by Argyll and the Isles Tourism Co-operative (AITC) centred on celebrity extreme sportsman Mark Beaumont’s recent 12day adventure across Argyll and the Isles.
The launch event, on Tuesday January 31 in Glasgow, was a celebration of Argyll. Canapés from Food from Argyll were served, there was beer tasting from Fyne Ales, Bute Brew and Islay Ales and music from Argyll bands Skerryvore, Tide Lines and members of Trail West.
Portavadie Marina sponsored a winter warmer punch, served on arrival, with hot pies at the end of the evening.
Calum Ross, AITC director and owner of Loch Melfort Hotel, kicked off proceedings, instantly getting the crowd involved: ‘Who has travelled from Argyll?’ he asked and hands were raised. ‘Who lives in Argyll?’ was the next question and a cheer went up. ‘Who has never even visited Argyll?’ Silence. ‘No one is brave enough to admit that in this room,’ he joked. He continued: ‘Glasgow is on Argyll’s doorstep. Glasgow is Argyll’s city and Argyll is Glasgow’s playground.’
And this was demonstrated throughout the evening.
Mark Beaumont took to the stage to tell of his first-hand experience of Argyll’s trails and adventure activities, from running and wild swimming to horse riding and quad biking.
Skerryvore offered a new single they had recorded while on tour in America, and it was not long before Live Forever became the theme tune for the campaign.
The evening ended with the first public performance of the single and Skerryvore encouraging the audience to get Wild About Argyll and join in. The accompanying music video will feature Wild About Argyll footage.
Mark Beaumont said: ‘It was tough. I won’t get much sympathy considering how much fun it all was but it was tough. It was fantastic to get back to Argyll and it has been amazing to be part of something so positive.’