WATCH: Video guides showcasing Scotland's marinas feature bird’s-eye footage of Wick
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Bird’s-eye views of Wick harbour feature in a new series of aerial video guides showcasing Scotland's marinas, anchorages and adventures, encouraging people to explore the country by boat.
The videos from Sail Scotland contain drone footage of the approach to each destination along with sweeping backdrops of coastal landscapes.
Pop-up text indicates key boating facilities and the proximity of local amenities. In the case of Wick it mentions attractions such as the distillery and heritage museum.
The guides offer suggestions for day trips or onward journeys and point out offers, trip-planning information and booking links on the Sail Scotland website.
Viewers – via adverts on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube – are encouraged to share their own photographs and experiences.
The guides will also link with Scotland’s themed year for 2022, Scotland’s Year of Stories.
The video library of guides is the first of its kind for the marine tourism sector in Scotland. There are 33 locations in the collection, from the Firth of Clyde and Argyll to the Hebrides and the Northern Isles, as well as the Caledonian Canal.
The campaign targets selected customer groups in Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland and was created with assistance from the Scottish Government’s Destination and Sector Marketing Fund. The fund is delivered by VisitScotland as part of a national Covid recovery plan.
Sail Scotland chief executive Alan Rankin said: “Collaboration with destinations along Scotland’s coasts, islands and canals is a key focus for Sail Scotland, and we want to connect the sailing experience with shoreside experiences.
"Our new bird’s-eye view video guides transport visitors right into the heart of places and communities, and by highlighting nearby attractions and eateries we encourage them to step ashore to discover local culture and to enjoy local food and drink. We hope the footage will inspire viewers to make plans to sail to new destinations, book cruises and spend more time on our wonderful sailing waters.”
Malcolm Roughead, chief executive of VisitScotland, said: “The Destination and Sector Marketing Fund was created to boost the sustainable recovery of Scottish tourism, helping to reach new audiences within the domestic market.
“We know word-of-mouth recommendations are a huge factor for visitors choosing to travel. By combining this call on visitors to share their stories with footage of Scotland’s breathtaking shoreline, Sail Scotland’s campaign will help inspire new and repeat visitors."
The new video guide library can be viewed online on Sail Scotland’s Aerial Guides page.
