New app to boost Perthshire tourism
Routes off A9 highlighted
Blair Castle in Blair Atholl is on the castles and historical sites route A new app has been released to promote tourism along the A9.
The new Highland Discovery app has been introduced after fears were raised over how the dualling of the A9 will impact on the tourist towns in Perthshire.
It is hoped the app will boost tourism to the area, by highlighting what is on offer away from the dualled A9.
Highland Discovery, which was released on Android and iPhone last week, includes information on community facilities and businesses and suggests different places to stop en route.
It also includes audio of Scottish songs and tales of Scottish myths and legends, some of which were recorded by Pitlochry High School’s choir.
Malcolm Roughead, chief executive of VisitScotland, said: “The A9 is much more than just a road. It connects visitors to some of the best tourism experiences in Scotland, taking them through the heart of Perthshire and up to the Highlands.
“Scotland’s reputation as a quality destination relies on innovation and considering new and creative ways to reach out to visitors, showcasing all we have to offer.
“The Highland Discovery app is an excellent example of that, highlighting the hidden gems and renowned attractions that lie just off the A9 corridor.”
He added: “It’s also fitting that the visitors of tomorrow - our young people - have helped develop the content. The Year of Young People is all about celebrating the talents and contributions of Scotland’s young people and creating new opportunities for them to shine.”
Users of the app can pick what area of interest they want to follow while they drive along the A9. Some of the themed routes include towns of the Highlands, scenic views, villages of the beaten track, big nature experiences, and kids activities.
For the foodies the routes on offer include whisky explorer, just cheese and gin lovers.
Sporting themes on the app include golfing adventures, wild and free, and family outdoor activities.
For example on the whisky explorer route, visitors can stop off at a number of Perthshire distilleries, including Strathearn Distillery in Methven, Dewars Distillery in Aberfeldy, Edradour Distillery and Blair Athol Distillery in Pitlochry, and The Famous Grouse Experience in Crieff.
Derek Mackay, the Scottish Government’s finance secretary, said: “The work to dual the A9 between Perth and Inverness is progressing at pace with draft orders now published for six of the 11 projects with more to come this year.
“Later this year work will start on the next section to be dualled between Luncarty and Pass of Birnam. We remain on target to complete this ambitious programme by 2025.
“However, the A9 dualling is about more than building a road. We also want to take the opportunity to improve the visitor experience for people travelling along the A9.
“This exciting new Highland Discovery app will help anyone visiting the area explore some of the hidden treasures that are on or near this iconic road and get a glimpse into the local culture of Scotland with stories and music.”
Mr Mackay continued: “When T he Hermitage is just off the A9 at Dunkeld. Picture by Sara Winter
the app was piloted last year it was downloaded 500 times, 20 per cent of these were from people overseas. An encouraging start and now that it is available to both Android and iPhone users I expect the uptake to increase.
“It is fitting that in this Year of Young People, local school children and students working on the dualling programme have played such an important role in developing the content for this app for visitors travelling on this route which links the central belt with the Highlands and Islands.
The app can cow be downloaded on ios and android formats. Pitlochry is a popular spot with tourists. Picture by Fraser Band
Excellent example of highlighting the hidden gems and renowned attractions off the A9