Autumn tourism drive encourages visitors to discover the Outer Hebrides

Brilliant moments in the Outer Hebrides, as well as autumnal short breaks and holidays, are all being promoted as part of VisitScotland’s latest seasonal campaign.

The national tourism organisation, in partnership with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Outer Hebrides Tourism, is using a combination of print advertising, digital and social media to target potential visitors within the UK.

The campaign began last month and will run until November, aiming to reinforce the islands’ key strengths and challenge visitors’ perceptions by promoting ‘Brilliant Moments in the Outer Hebrides are closer than you think’, and encouraging them to take a break in the Outer Hebrides this autumn. The digital activity alone has the potential to be seen by over 2.8 million people and the press activity, by over 88,000.

With an archipelago of islands stretching 130 miles, the scenery of the Outer Hebrides is as varied as it is impressive. Stunning images of the iconic Calanais Standing Stones and Eoropie Beach on the Isle of Lewis, the RSPB Balranald Nature Reserve on North Uist and Seilebost Beach on Harris are all included in this seasonal campaign.

Other striking images include Kisimul Castle, on the Isle of Barra; Hosta Beach, on North Uist; a plane landing on Tràigh Mhòr Beach on the Isle of Barra and Scolpaig Tower, on North Uist.

Autumn is the season of golden colours, hunting eagles and rare migrant birds, all of which can be enjoyed in the Outer Hebrides. The islands offer all-year-round wildlife-watching opportunities, including the world’s second-largest grey seal colony on the Monach Isles and magnificent golden and white tailed eagles soaring above the skyline of North Harris.

In the Outer Hebrides, ancient history meets rich, Gaelic culture and spectacular landscapes offer unlimited adventures. Visitors can soak up the island culture, taking inspiration from the cultural hubs of An Lanntair Arts Centre on Lewis and Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum and Arts Centre on North Uist, or tap their foot at a Vatersay Boys music session on the Isle of Barra.

There is also a brilliant array of activities for the outdoor enthusiast to enjoy, including scaling the summit of Beinn Mhòr on South Uist, surfing off secluded golden beaches against the rugged backdrop of the Hebridean landscape or cycling the beautiful Hebridean Way from Barra to the Butt of Lewis.

With hundreds of miles of coastline, it is not surprising that the Outer Hebrides produces some of Scotland’s finest seafood. Autumn is the time for langoustines, scallops, monkfish, haddock and more – and visitors can try their hand at loch fishing on Loch Langavat.

Potential visitors are also being offered the chance to enjoy their own brilliant moments in the Outer Hebrides, with an island break for two for seven nights at The Smiddy, a five-star self-catering cottage on the Isle of Berneray, up for grabs, as well as an RSPB guided tour of Balranald Nature Reserve and return ferry tickets from mainland Scotland with Caledonian MacBrayne.

The campaign, which is aimed at people living near direct access to the islands, including the Central Belt and the Highlands, but also North of England and Flybe hubs there, focuses on promoting the world-class scenery, rich history, popular cultural events and wildlife that makes the Outer Hebrides such a popular destination for visitors.

Alan Mackenzie, VisitScotland Islands Manager, said:

“The Outer Hebrides provide a stunning escape – whether for an autumnal holiday or short break. In this, Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink, there is a plethora of beautiful restaurants, cafes and eateries, not to mention countless local producers and suppliers who all promote the best of Outer Hebridean cuisine.

“These islands are perfect location for the outdoor enthusiast, with plenty activities, including coastal walks, as well as beautiful natural landscapes, beaches and wildlife for those wanting a more relaxing stay.

“Tourism is more than a holiday experience – it creates jobs and sustains communities and we’ll continue to work hard to promote the Outer Hebrides as we move into the 2016 Year of Innovation Architecture and Design.

“This latest campaign will show off the Outer Hebrides’ best assets as well as encouraging people to request more information and book a break in this beautiful part of Scotland.”

Cllr Alasdair Macleod, Chair of Sustainable Development at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said:

“This Year of Food and Drink has been a truly fantastic year for Scotland and there have already been some Brilliant Moments. Tourism in Scotland has been well promoted and we must now use this momentum to continue showcasing the Outer Hebrides to people around the world, as one of the most unique and special places to visit.

“We have a lot to offer, our rich Gaelic culture, varied wildlife and superb standard of food and drink to name just a few. We look forward to this new campaign which will further demonstrate and promote all that the Western Isles have to offer and we hope to see many more visitors coming to these shores.”

Linda MacLeod Brown, from Outer Hebrides Tourism, said:
“The Outer Hebrides is a wonderful destination, whatever the time of year and each season has a special, different appeal. As we move into the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design, tourists may see our landscape through a fresh lens. But the consistent thing that all visitors can expect, whenever they come, is a warm welcome and memories that will last a lifetime.”

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