Kintyre is on board with Scotland’s themed year
David Adams McGilp, VisitScotland regional director, has spoken of the opportunities that Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 could bring to Kintyre.
Mr McGilp said: ‘The Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 (YCW2020) will shine a spotlight on the impact our waters have on our country and inspire visitors, locals, and the tourism and events sector to get involved and enjoy everything the year has to offer.
‘The year will celebrate all aspects of Scotland’s visitor experience in relation to coasts and waters, with a focus on unique, authentic experiences and sustainable tourism. The themed year offers a wealth of opportunity for the visitor in terms of highlighting experiences and events around our natural environment and wildlife, our historic environment and cultural heritage, activities and adventure and food and drink.
‘With its spectacular coastline, idyllic fishing towns and rich variety of marine wildlife, the peninsula of Kintyre is perfectly poised to make the most of the country’s next themed year.
‘The Kintyre Way stretches 100 miles along the coast, taking visitors from Tarbert to Southend, offering remarkable views of nearby islands such as Arran, Gigha, Islay and Jura, and the opportunity to spot a wide range of wildlife.
‘And 43 per cent of visitors to Argyll and the Isles take part in a long walk, hike or ramble and, with the route offering different levels of track to cater for both gentle strollers and serious hikers, it could be an attractive proposition for visitors in 2020.
‘Campbeltown is the perfect base for exploring Kintyre and the surrounding islands. The town itself has a beautiful marina and was once known as the whisky capital of the world. The three distilleries of Glen Scotia, Glengyle and Springbank all offer guided tours where visitors can find out the secrets of whisky making in Kintyre.
‘Partnership and collaboration are at the heart of Scottish tourism and I urge every business, group and community in Campbeltown and Kintyre to come together and utilise the platform of YCW2020 to showcase what the area has to offer on a global stage.
‘We need to provide top service, facilities, events and attractions to keep up with ever-changing consumer demands and ensure visitors continue to have memorable experiences.
‘The delivery of an exciting programme of special events is also an important part of the year. Events in the area have the opportunity to apply for the dedicated YCW2020 Events Programme Open Fund which has been designed to create new, high-profile opportunities to celebrate our coasts and waters while adding value to the existing calendar of events.
‘There is also the YCW2020 Partner Programme which is a non-funded opportunity to align your event with the year and benefit from potential inclusion in VisitScotland promotional activity in celebration of the year.
‘YCW2020 is an excellent opportunity for Campbeltown and the rest of Kintyre to showcase its fantastic offering and bring in visitors which are a major benefit to the region.
‘Tourism is more than a holiday experience – it is the heart of the Scottish economy and touches every community, generating income, jobs and social change.’