Ayrshire Post

Gems unveiled in tourism drive

Ebook on show to world

- Stephen Houston

It’s famed for its awe- inspiring dark skies and its links to one of the world’s literary icons, Robert Burns, but a new VisitScotl­and eBook is shedding light on East Ayrshire’s hidden delights.

Undiscover­ed Gems, highlights some of the other fantastic things to see and do in the region from outdoor adventures and star gazing to culinary quests and historical hideaways.

Part of VisitScotl­and and East Ayrshire Council’s latest marketing campaign, the interactiv­e e- book, which is available on the VisitScotl­and website, includes suggestion­s such as, taking in the scenery on the Sir Chris Hoy Cycle Path, sampling award- winning local produce at Dunlop Dairy and gazing at the infinite wonders of the night sky at the Scottish Dark Sky Observator­y.

Wi t h a r e c e n t VisitScotl­and Visitor Survey revealing more than a quarter of visitors come to the wider Ayrshire and Arran region for history and culture, visitors will also find advice about where to explore East Ayrshire’s rich history

These additional assets build on the success of VisitScotl­and’s Spirit of Scotland global campaign and # ScotSpirit social movement which aims to raise the profile and reputation of the region as an outstandin­g place to visit, and to invest, live and work in.

The Undiscover­ed Gems e- book features:

Scottish Dark Sky Observator­y

Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park The Cook School Scotland Dunlop Dairy Catrine House Coffee Shop & Ice Cream Parlour

Spirit of Scotland Sculpture Ness Glen Sir Chris Hoy Cycle Path Dumfries House Dean Castle & Country Park Burns House Museum Dick Institute Loch Doon The Irvine Valley Trail Rowallan Castle

Annique Armstrong, VisitScotl­and Regional Director, said: “This exciting new e- book builds on the success of VisitScotl­and’s Spirit of Scotland global campaign, helping raise the profile and reputation of East Ayrshire as a fantastic place to visit, live and work in. This is a great asset for VisitScotl­and, East Ayrshire and local businesses to showcase the rich offering, hidden gems and local stories of the region to visitors from across Scotland and beyond.

“With rich history, breathtaki­ng natural landscapes and mouth- watering culinary delights, East Ayrshire offers something to suit all tastes. We hope this new e- book, will inspire people to discover East Ayrshire’s gems for themselves.”

Jul i e S l o a n , E a s t Ayrshire Council Tourism Developmen­t Officer, said: “With so many brilliant attraction­s and fantastic things to do, it was a hard task deciding what to include in Undiscover­ed Gems. There is so much to choose from! We hope it inspires readers and encourages visitors to explore some of our lesserknow­n, but equally exciting, ‘ gems’. East Ayrshire offers something to suit all tastes and we look forward to welcoming even more people to our region on the back of this excellent new e- book.”

 ??  ?? Jewel Dumfries House is a delightful spot to spend some time
Jewel Dumfries House is a delightful spot to spend some time
 ??  ?? Peaceful Loch Doon with the Galloway Hills in the distance
Peaceful Loch Doon with the Galloway Hills in the distance

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