'Fall for Aberdeenshire' This Autumn
>> 11 October 2015
Brilliant moments in Aberdeenshire, 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 Aberdeenshire Council, is using a combination of print advertising, digital and social media to target potential visitors from the UK.
The campaign, part of which focuses specifically on the Cairngorms and is supported by the Cairngorms National Park Authority, began last month and will run until November. It aims to reinforce the region’s key strengths and challenge visitors’ perceptions by promoting ‘Brilliant Moments in Aberdeenshire are closer than you think’, and encouraging them to take a break in Aberdeenshire this autumn. The digital activity alone has the potential to be seen by over 1.7m people and the press activity, by over 281,000.
The campaign’s aim is to inspire, engage and motivate potential visitors to come to Aberdeenshire and it features stunning images of majestic castles including Craigievar and Huntly; bottlenose dolphins on the Banffshire Coast, St Cyrus beach and fresh Aberdeenshire seafood.
Other striking images include alpine snowboarding conditions at Glenshee; glorious golf at Cruden Bay, the Aurora Borealis over Cullen Beach, near Sandend and the unique Stonehaven Fireball Festival.
Autumn is the season of golden colours, roaring stags, magnificent eagles and rare migrant birds, all of which can be enjoyed in Aberdeenshire. There is also a brilliant array of diverse events lined up this season, including Food & Fiddle Fortnight, from 2-18 October, celebrating food and drink; Full Steam Ahead! at the Grampian Transport Museum in Alford on 15 October, with steam vehicle rides, displays and demonstrations; and Braemar Creative Arts Festival from 21-25 October, featuring music, literature, art and craft workshops.
Aberdeenshire offers all-year-round thrilling outdoor adventure opportunities. From the beaches of Banffshire to the snow-capped mountains of Glenshee, the landscape offers endless options for adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The region is also known as Castle Country, with more castles per acre here than anywhere else in the UK. There is a dedicated Castle Trail and the area is also richly populated with Pictish and Neolithic sites.
Potential visitors are also being offered the chance to win their own brilliant moments in Aberdeenshire, with two nights’ B&B accommodation at Printworks apartments, Peterhead; a VIP experience at Glen Garioch Distillery and a four-course dinner at Eat on the Green, Ellon.
The campaign, which is aimed at people living in Scotland and the north of England, focuses on promoting the world-class scenery, rich history, popular cultural events and wildlife that make Aberdeenshire such a popular destination for visitors.
Philip Smith, VisitScotland Regional Director, said:
“Aberdeenshire provides 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 top-class restaurants, cafes and eateries, not to mention countless local producers and suppliers who all promote the best of Aberdeenshire cuisine.
“This region is the 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 Aberdeenshire as we move into the Year of Innovation Architecture and Design.
“This latest campaign will show off Aberdeenshire’s best assets as well as encouraging people to request more information and book a break in this beautiful part of Scotland.”
“This region is the 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 Aberdeenshire as we move into the Year of Innovation Architecture and Design.
“This latest campaign will show off Aberdeenshire’s best assets as well as encouraging people to request more information and book a break in this beautiful part of Scotland.”
Cllr David Aitchison, Chairman of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, said:
"With countless outdoor opportunities as well as wildlife watching, coastal walks with breath-taking views, castles and distilleries to explore and a long and fascinating history, Aberdeenshire has something for every taste.
"I hope this campaign encourages not only return visitors but also people who may not have explored this part of Scotland before, to experience our rich culture and heritage, fantastic fresh local food, drink and seafood, great events and friendly people.”
Murray Ferguson, Director of Planning and Rural Development at the Cairrngorms National Park Authority, said:
“The Cairngorms National Park is a stunning place to be this autumn. The scenery is always the big attraction but at this time of year the light and the colours are at their very best – the Park is a real asset to Aberdeenshire, and to Scotland as a whole.
“It has been great to work so closely with VisitScotland and Aberdeenshire Council to promote this very special place.”
“It has been great to work so closely with VisitScotland and Aberdeenshire Council to promote this very special place.”
