Numbers are up for fourth successive year
Scottish tourist attractions have recorded a 3% rise in visitors, confirming the fourth consecutive year of growth. The Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA) analysis found a total of 6, 246, 846 people visited member sites up to April, an increase of 201, 988 from April, 2015. Continue reading Visitors flock to Scottish tourist attractions
‘If I had to name one world event that I wanted to attract to Melbourne it would be The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’ – Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Robert Doyle
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will take place in Australia and New Zealand next February.
The Tattoo is a major fixture in the global events calendar providing upwards of £100m into the UK economy every year. Last year marked the Tattoo’s sixteenth successive sell-out season at Edinburgh Castle, generating approximately £10 million in box office receipts.
The news that the Tattoo will be on the road next year has already received an overwhelmingly positive reaction in Australia and New Zealand. Ticket sales for Melbourne and Wellington are already breaking expected targets, with 50% of tickets sold in the first week and an additional Melbourne show announced yesterday. These two offshore Tattoos are expected to draw millions into their respective local economies.
Brigadier David Allfrey MBE, Chief Executive and Producer, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo said: “The Tattoo provides a wonderful excuse for people to come together for an enjoyable and inspirational evening and to reflect on where their interests and influence might coincide. We are so proud to play our part in these international endeavours.
“Our project to take the Tattoo to Wellington and Melbourne has been more than three years in the planning. It has involved a huge number of partners across all three countries, never mind in those nations getting ready to contribute to the Show. It is, however, a much wider story than us doing a show. The Tattoo’s integrated approach provides our wide ranging stakeholders with an exciting, high profile platform which can deliver a plethora of interesting and beneficial opportunities.”
Scottish Secretary David Mundell said: “The UK enjoys a very close international relationship with Australia and New Zealand across a wide range of areas including an extraordinary shared heritage in culture, history and military alliance. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo overseas programme represents an exciting platform in this rich relationship.
“It brings together a unique blend of music, ceremony and entertainment that showcases a stunning array of Scottish heritage & culture and the precision and expertise of the British Military combined with a colourful mix military and cultural groups from around the world.”
Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Europe and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop said: “This is great news for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and for Scotland. The Tattoo is a firm favourite in Edinburgh’s world famous festivals and I am sure the Australian and New Zealand audiences will be delighted by the unique blend of music and entertainment that only The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo can provide. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a world renowned Scottish brand and reaching out to people who are interested in Scotland and our heritage is important to tourism and our image overseas.
Kerry Prendergast, Executive Chair, New Zealand Festival, said: “The New Zealand Festival and the Tattoo, with the support of the New Zealand government, sought to bring this iconic event back to Wellington because we were sure Kiwis would come out in force to support it. We’re thrilled that audiences have responded so enthusiastically, and can’t wait to welcome the Tattoo to what’s on track to be a sell-out season in Wellington.”
The Right Honourable, the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Robert Doyle said: “If I had to name one world event that I wanted to attract to Melbourne it would be The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and we are delighted to be hosting it for the first time in 2016. Melbourne is renowned for our world-class events calendar and I’m delighted that Melburnians have embraced the event and that it will have major flow-on effect for our tourism industry.”
Two hospitality students from Edinburgh College travelled to a prestigious hospitality school in Switzerland thanks to a scholarship.
Rebecca Sinder and Merce Just are both first year students on the HN Hospitality Management course, and were the first students from Edinburgh College to win a Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland (HIT Scotland) scholarship.
The HIT Scotland scholarship paid for them both to travel to the prestigious École hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) for a two day programme titled ‘A Practical Approach to Customer Service’. Founded in 1893, EHL was the world’s first trade-school to focus on hospitality education. The school offers bachelor and master degrees in hospitality management and administration.
While on the scholarship Merce and Rebecca took a trip to the five star Grand Hotel au Lac and dined in the hospitality school’s gastronomic restaurant. Rebecca said: “This scholarship has opened my eyes and mind to the hospitality industry and what Scotland is missing in terms of customer experience, and also to customer service skills that everyone working in hospitality should be taught.”
Rebecca Sinder said: “This was a great trip and an opportunity to learn in depth about customer service skills. Not only did we learn about multicultural habits, current technology trends, how to dress to impress and also the crucial non-verbal and verbal communications skills, we were also shown what real hospitality feels like to experience. The professors and students of École hôtelière de Lausanne were an example of the most professional workers in the industry. They were welcoming and they showed us great customer service first hand.”
Richard Morris, Edinburgh College Food and Hospitality lecturer said: “Merce and Rebecca have returned to College inspired and motivated to continue with their studies whilst at the same time getting valuable Industry experience.
Rebecca has since joined me working for the Scottish Rugby Union Hospitality at the 6 Nations, whilst Merce is interested in joining the world famous Witchery restaurant following a recent visit. Ultimately what this scholarship has given them is the confidence to progress in their chosen industry realising what the ultimate rewards can be.”
HIT Scotland is a charity whose mission is to assist people to achieve their potential within hospitality. HIT Scotland enables young people in the hospitality industry to be inspired about what the industry has to offer and all the opportunities that exist in a multitude of sectors. It also sets steps to making dreams come true all over the world in many incredible organisations such as Virgin, Hilton and Mossimans.
Edinburgh College students worked at the Annual HIT Scotland Lunch at The Sheraton that Richard Morris has been coordinating with the College for the last few years. From this they gained an insight into what the organisation were all about.
There are many examples of young people who have gone on to achieve their career aspirations through HIT Scotland many of who were represented at HIT Scotland’s recent Emerging Talent Conference in Edinburgh.
Applications are currently open for hospitality and professional cookery courses starting at Edinburgh College in August. More details can be found at:
http://www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk/courses/food_hospitality_and_tourism.aspx
Edinburgh Western MSP Colin Keir has welcomed comments by a senior airlines executive that Air Passenger Duty (APD) is having an adverse effect on trade.
Following comments by David Thomas, a regional director of American Airlines, that Air Passenger Duty is ‘stifling demand’ on flights between Scotland and the United States, Colin Keir, Edinburgh Airport’s MSP, said: “Mr Thomas’s comments are most welcome and further validate our position that the Scottish Government must have control over Air Passenger Duty.
“As Edinburgh Airport’s recent report showed, reducing APD in Scotland by 50% will initially support 800 new jobs and create millions for the economy, is most welcome and must be taken seriously by the UK Government.
“The tourism tax, that is particularly damaging to Scottish airports, should be cut at once. Devolution of APD would be a game changer for Scottish airports.
“The Scottish Government has committed to cutting Air Passenger Duty once it is devolved and that responsibility cannot come soon enough for passengers and Scotland’s airports. Only a strong team of SNP MPs elected on May 7 will ensure Scotland gains the powers it has been promised – including APD – to create jobs and build a more prosperous and fairer country.”
Flights from Auld Reekie to Big Apple next summer
Colin Keir, the MSP whose Edinburgh Western constituency covers Edinburgh Airport, has welcomed the news that American Airlines will be launching daily flights between Edinburgh and New York’s JFK Airport.
Mr Keir said: “This is great news for Edinburgh Airport and more widely for Scotland. I congratulate the management of Edinburgh Airport for securing this direct service to one of the world’s leading financial centres. One of the benefits of direct flights is that the Air Passenger Duty (APD) is less for travellers who don’t have to fly to another UK hub airport such as Heathrow or Gatwick. It will be a huge boost for business and tourism and I am sure this will prove a very successful destination.”
The new service will launch next summer and run between May and September.
All aboard! Trains will be operational on the Borders Railway from September 6, 2015, First Minister Alex Salmond said yesterday. The news has been warmly welcomed – the new thirty mile rail route is expected to be hugely popular and will give a significant boost to the local economy.
The First Minister also announced a feasibility study, led by Scottish Enterprise in partnership with VisitScotland, Scottish Borders Council and Transport Scotland, to look at how the Borders Railway will transform the tourism potential of the region.
The study will also look at tourist opportunities from any future development of the line, including the potential for a turntable and the creation of a permanent home at Tweedbank Station for the Great Tapestry of Scotland, the world’s longest embroidered tapestry, reflecting the textile heritage of the area.
Mr Salmond went on to announce plans to maximise the tourist potential of the line by introducing a steam train experience – which could benefit the local economy by many millions of pounds a year. The steam train experience will start in September next year.
The First Minister met with members of Scottish Borders Council, Great Tapestry of Scotland trustees, members of the Borders Tourism Industry and members of the Waverley Route Heritage Association in Tweedbank yesterday.
Speaking from the site of Tweedbank Station, the First Minister said: “From September 2015 – for the first time in almost half a century – there will be passenger train services running on this track.
“For commuters and tourists alike, the reopened line will provide opportunities to enjoy the many fantastic attractions and experiences on offer in the Borders.
“We can expect the Scottish economy to benefit by tens of millions of pounds from the regular train line. The feasibility study will look at how the area can benefit from the railway. With a dedicated tourist service and the attraction of the Great Tapestry of Scotland to be based at Tweedbank, more people than ever will get to visit and enjoy Scotland’s stunning Borders.
“There will be few railway journeys anywhere in Europe to match the outstanding scenery along the route of the new Borders Railway. I have no doubt that Borders Railway will be profoundly successful and I will be one of the first in line for a ticket when the trains are running in September next year.”
Other measures have also been announced to help boost the tourism potential of the new railway. These include:
Cllr. David Parker, Leader Scottish Borders Council said: “I am delighted that the First Minister is able to come to the Borders today and announce significant plans to further strengthen the tourism potential of the Borders railway. The Scottish Government’s commitment to steam and charter trains is extremely welcome and will be a fantastic boost to the Borders economy.
“The First Minister’s pledge to work jointly with the Council to deliver the Great Tapestry of Scotland visitor centre and other improvements is fantastic news. This underlines the very substantial support that the Scottish Government have shown to the Borders Railway project.
“I truly believe that this is going to be a very special railway line that will attract a great many visitors as it is an outstanding scenic journey.
Having the Great Tapestry of Scotland situated at the Tweedbank terminus telling the 420 million year history of Scotland is something that will be very special indeed. A great many people will take the ‘Train to the Tapestry’ and also visit the Borders and our many other attractions.”
Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland said: “The new Borders Railway presents a huge opportunity for Scottish tourism. The scenery from Edinburgh through Midlothian down to the Scottish Borders and back again is remarkable and I have no doubt that visitors will make the journey just for the experience as well as to visit the many attractions along the way, including the National Mining Museum Scotland at Newtongrange and Abbotsford House.
“The romanticism captured by steam trains will give the route added value, following in the tracks of the Jacobite steam train journey from Fort William to Mallaig which welcomes thousands of visitors every year.
“We are excited that we are moving ever closer to the launch of this magnificent new line and will be working with partners over the coming months to ensure the tourism potential of the Borders Railway is fully realised, encouraging visitors to explore yet more of Scotland’s beautiful urban and rural landscapes.”
Alistair Moffat, co-chairman of the GTS Trustees said: “Four years ago, work on the Great Tapestry of Scotland began – in the Borders. When Sandy McCall Smith had the idea and asked me to start working on the narrative, I did that work at my house near Selkirk. And it is very fitting and satisfying that a work of art that has been made all over Scotland, stitched by a thousand Scots, should come back home to the Borders, the place where Scotland’s textile industry saw its fullest flowering.
“As Co-Chairman of the trustees I want to thank David Parker, the Leader of Scottish Borders Council and the First Minister, Alex Salmond, for their vision and imagination in creating a partnership to give this great work of art a permanent home in the Borders. And for knowing a good thing when they see it. I also want to thank my wife, Lindsay. When she came up with the phrase ‘a train to the tapestry’, I knew it would happen.
“This is a unique project, a history of Scotland made by a thousand Scots who, from Caithness to Galloway, stitched our national story. I find myself immensely moved and proud to be a citizen of a nation that is capable of producing such a stunning account of its history. It is done with pride, certainly, but also with passion and love. And that is what gives it such power. When the tapestry makes those who see it glow, they are glowing because they intuit that it was made with love, the love of Scotland.”
Midlothian Council leader, Councillor Owen Thompson welcomed the news that Transport Scotland is to fund a path directly from the new station at Newtongrange into the National Mining Museum Scotland.
He said: “The 5 star mining museum is just one of scores of attractions here in Midlothian. We sit just 10 miles south of Edinburgh city centre and the county is steeped in history, picturesque villages and wonderful scenery.
“The station itself will potentially bring enormous economic benefits to the area and to hear Transport Scotland is now funding a path straight to one of our most fascinating museums is great news for the museum in particular and tourism in general.
“I am looking forward immensely to the re-opening of the railway when the museum and lots of local businesses will be making visitors, new and old, very welcome.”
Catherine Maxwell Stewart, Tourism Business representative on the Scottish Borders Community Planning Partnership said: “The Borders Railway offers a fantastic opportunity for local tourism businesses to attract new visitors to the area and to offer them exciting, new experiences.
“The Scottish Borders has so much to offer visitors, whether they are here for a day, or for a week. I am sure that this new link from the heart of the city to the heart of Scott’s Country will be a catalyst for our local tourism sector, with benefits rolling out across much of the area. Today’s announcement will really help to put the Borders on the map as a tourist destination for all. ”
Western’s Minor Injuries Clinic: help for holidaymakers
They say Edinburgh’s population more than doubles at this time of year, and NHS Lothian is in the middle of another busy August as thousands of tourists have arrived in the city for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
The Festival Practice has been created to treat the influx of tourists who are not registered with a GP in the city and is designed to ensure they receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
Dr Sian Tucker, Clinical Director, Lothian Unscheduled Care Service, said: “Visitors should contact NHS 24 on 111 if they feel unwell. This phone number is available 24 hours a day. Patients will be directed to the most appropriate place for their medical needs. The NHS Inform website also provides advice and information on a range of medical conditions.
“Patients may be directed to a pharmacy, dentist, the out of hours GP service or a local GP practice and can treat a range of non-emergency conditions. This will help to relieve some of the pressure on our A&E departments which are normally busier at this time of year.”
NHS Lothian is also encouraging more people to visit the Minor Injuries Clinic, rather than attending the Emergency Department.
The clinic, based at the Western General Hospital, offers assessment and treatment as required and patients with less serious injuries can often be seen quicker, without an appointment.
If patients require non-emergency medical treatment, such as a sprain, cut or burn then they can receive swift treatment in the clinic, which is open seven days at week from 8.00am to 9.00pm.
Edinburgh Airport has broken records yet again after seeing more than 1.1 million passengers travel through its terminal in July.
Following its record-breaking summer last year, Scotland’s busiest airport has eclipsed its previous July passenger total, making it the first airport in Scottish history to reach this milestone.
A total of 1,104,264 people passed through the airport last month – an increase of 1.8% on the same period in 2013. International passenger numbers saw an increase of 4.0% on the previous year with 661,220 passengers. Domestic passenger saw a slight decrease of 1.3% with 443,044 people.
These figures represent another step in Edinburgh Airport’s journey to continue growing by providing Scottish passengers with the very best choice of destinations.
July’s international traffic was driven by Scots flying off on their annual summer holidays to traditional sunshine destinations like Portugal, Spain and Majorca. A handful of Thomson charter services to Cancun and Florida also increased the international passenger flow.
Edinburgh’s successful summer began with the launch of a host of new long and short-haul routes to Crete, Zurich, Chicago, Doha and Philadelphia, plus the recent announcement that Etihad Airways will be launching from Edinburgh in June next year.
Edinburgh Airport first surpassed the one million passenger mark last summer where it welcomed over two million passengers between July and August.
Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport, said: “Breaking the 1.1 million passenger mark in July was another milestone for us and I’m delighted to be celebrating this with our teams across the airport who work hard to give passengers a great experience. To put it into context, the 1,104,264 airline tickets we processed in July could stretch almost twice the height of our air traffic control tower.
“The next few weeks and months will be hugely exciting for us as we welcome passengers from all over the world to Scotland for our famous festivals and the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles. We’re also nearing completion of our brand new terminal extension which should be operational from October, offering our passengers a more efficient and enjoyable airport experience.”
July saw almost 10,800 aircraft movements at Edinburgh Airport which, when added together, carried enough passengers to fill 220 Sir Chris Hoy Velodromes and 4400 Boeing 787 Dreamliners!
The news has been welcomed by city leaders. Councillor Frank Ross, Economy Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Today’s figures come on the back of Edinburgh Airport’s busiest June on record and the equivalent of twice the population of Scotland using the Airport in just one year. The rise of international travellers using the Airport in July is great news for the city’s economy as more visitors enjoying the city will lead to the creation of new jobs.
“With trams transporting tens of thousands of passengers to and from the Airport every week and the new extension coming on well, this is an exciting time for the Airport, and for Edinburgh.”
Judges from across Europe took a closer look at Edinburgh’s parks, streets and gardens yesterday on a tour of the city. The panel assessed the capital for this year’s Entente Florale, Europe’s biggest environmental competition.
This is the first time the capital has represented the UK in the prestigious awards, following it’s success in Britain in Bloom earlier this year.
Each summer more than 22,000 cities, towns and villages enter the contest, which judges entries on horticultural achievement, community involvement and responsibility for the environment.
The jury spent a full day in the city centre, scoring Edinburgh on everything from the built environment in the High Street, community input in Dunbar’s Close Garden and the Cowgate Nursery’s outdoor learning strategy.
Lord Provost Donald Wilson will host the judges, who have travelled from as far afield as Austria and Croatia, during their stay. He said: “We are honoured to be representing the UK in the Entente Florale this year and are delighted to be able to showcase the hard work carried out by the Council, partners and local groups to the jury.
“It’s not hard to see why Edinburgh is such a popular place to live and visit, and this is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the natural and built environment that makes the city what it is.”
Among the criteria to be assessed for the award are sustainability, landscape, green spaces and tourism and leisure.
As well as the management and design of the city’s parks and green spaces, judges focus on aspects like the city’s active travel strategy, its attitude to recycling, tourism and leisure and the work of bodies like Historic Scotland, Essential Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh and various community and Friends of Parks groups.
Among the initiatives visited by the judges was the Grassmarket Community Project, a charity which works with homeless and vulnerable people to develop skills in horticulture, cooking and woodwork.
Workshop manager Tommy Steel explained: “We involve participants to grow a herb garden in Greyfriar’s Kirk and we use the herbs in our training kitchen. By developing their skills in these areas they’re also developing self esteem and confidence.
“Being part of Entente Florale gives them a focus. Taking part in the judging day has given them a real sense of achievement, as they see the fruits of their labour.”
Find out more about Edinburgh’s involvement in the Entente Florale on the Council website, www.edinburgh.gov.uk
Bon chance, Edimbourg!
Three Edinburgh taxi drivers have just graduated as elite tour guides.
Cabbies Simon Reid, David Watt and Dougie Gray received their Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers Tour Guiding Certificates from Councillor Eric Milligan at a ceremony in the City Chambers.
Under the watchful eye of course director Bob McCulloch, the trio -two from Central Taxis and one from City Cabs – spent twelve weeks learning all there is to know about Edinburgh, its history, its buildings and its people.
The black cab drivers can now display a special sticker on their vehicles and take tourists and visitors on a unique and personalised tour of the capital. Edinburgh now has 16 qualified taxi tour guides.
Tony Kenmuir, boss of Central Taxis and a graduate of the scheme himself, said: “These drivers really have gone the extra mile to get these certificates. They care about the city and they want to show visitors the best of Edinburgh.”
Extra Royal Mile, surely?
