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Aberdeenshire stars as VisitScotland launches interactive travel diary intended to help the world to ‘Grab a Glen'

Scotland’s national tourism organisation today launches its first ever interactive diary designed to promote some of Scotland’s best and well known as well as more surprising active pursuits.

VisitScotland has enlisted the help of top travel writer Robin McKelvie to write about his travels around Scotland from July to September. This will include his experiences canoeing, gorge walking and wildlife watching, all amongst Aberdeenshire’s breathtaking scenery.

But it’s not all cut and thrust, Robin’s diary is also designed to appeal to those who like to engage in life’s ‘gentler’ pursuits. The travel diary is central to VisitScotland’s ‘Grab a Glen’ campaign which has launched as part of the year of Active Scotland. Travellers will be encouraged to ‘Grab a Glen’ through getting out and about across Scotland and experience some of the countless glens and unique walking adventures that the country has to offer.

Robin will be posting two travel diaries a week for the next three months, along with his own photos and video content, offering a unique new way of seeing and showcasing Scotland. Users can also share experiences, photographs and videos and influence Robin’s trip through VisitScotland’s Facebook sites. Robin’s travel diary will also host a whole range of content, from hints, tips, and maps of Scotland, to money saving vouchers for all.

Robin said; “I've travelled and written about almost 100 countries around the world, but think Scotland is pretty hard to beat so I am really excited to be heading off checking out my native land over the next few months. This is the year of Active Scotland and there is nowhere better to get active with over 800 islands, a myriad of mountains and hills, as well as our mighty rivers and countless lochs.”

Worth in excess of £825m to the Scottish economy, active pursuits are a key part of the visitor experience. Latest statistics have shown more than 80% of visitors said that they took part in a walk of more than 3 miles and over a third (37%) took part in some sort of sporting activity.

Minister for Tourism, Fergus Ewing, said: “Scotland boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the world and the ‘Grab a Glen’ campaign encourages people from across Scotland, and our visitors, to experience and enjoy the great outdoors.

“From mountain biking and white water rafting to trail walks and orienteering, there really is an activity for everyone, of all ages and abilities, to get involved in. Active Scotland encourages individuals and families to enjoy the array of active pursuits available across our towns and cities, and I am confident Robin McKelvie’s online adventure diary will inspire viewers to get outdoors and experience some of the many activities that Scotland has to offer.

VisitScotland Regional Director, Shona Anderson, said: “In the year of Active Scotland the ‘Grab a Glen’ campaign represents a fantastic stride forward as we look to promote Aberdeenshire as an active destination all over the world. I’m sure readers will enjoy learning about Robin’s travels around our wonderful region and will want to get out and get active here for themselves.”

Active Scotland is the second in a series of legacy years following the nation’s successful Homecoming event in 2009 and is designed to celebrate the fantastic natural settings and activities that the nation has to offer.

To view for the diary, please go to www.visitscotland.com/grabaglen

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