With the cold Scottish winter coming to a close and spring just around the corner, it’s warming to see that Scotland is continuing to put the nation in ‘destination’, as the country continues to enjoy the ongoing staycation boom that’s been blossoming over the past ten years.
With more and more UK residents looking at our bonnie banks and stunning countryside as a potential, cheaper, alternative to jetting off to international destinations, it’s certainly been an interesting time for the tourism sector.
The decision to opt for a Scottish getaway could go hand in hand with recent cost of living concerns, seeing more holidaymakers looking north of the border for a trip, rather than international climes, according to VisitScotland stats.
The chance to get away from it all, rambling, hiking and countryside breaks are proving to be the final factor when the population comes to make their Scot-break decisions.
And, considering tourism contributes an estimated £4 billion to the nation’s economy each year, it’s certainly not the time for any breaks in backing this industry, whether from the Scottish government, public bodies or our tourist boards.
Within the business pages, it’s been great to see so many lucrative deals and investments come to fruition recently, boosting the tourism sector and providing further opportunities for people to visit our neck of the woods.
Scottish transport titan McGill’s Group recently revealed that they’re launching a holiday-focused partnership with Loch Lomond Travel, providing a new coach holiday venture, guiding tourists to resorts and attractions across the UK and working closely with quality hotels and destinations to create fab holiday experiences.
With some hugely experienced sector names behind the wheel, this new venture will trek across popular tourist hotspots such as the North Coast 500, as well as islands like Lewis & Harris, extending a helping hand to tourism dependent businesses in these rural parts of the country.
Another big break this past week came for the family-run River Tilt Holiday Park, who have secured a multi-million finance package to further invest in creating desirable destinations for potential visitors to Scotland.
The Perthshire-based business, located 30 miles north of Perth, will be investing this financial windfall into redevelopments – enhancing their onsite accommodation, bar and leisure centre, as well as adding additional leisure facilities for tourists to enjoy.
The funding, secured from Cambridge & Counties Bank, will allow the popular holiday group to cater to the increased demand from holidaymakers keen to enjoy the Cairngorms National Park and all that Perthshire and surrounding areas have to offer.
Investment within the Scottish holiday industry has become a lucrative venture, with plenty of opportunities to invest in successful businesses enjoying the staycation boom, many of which also still have the charming factor of being either a family run business or providing a sustainable boost to nearby communities.
In fact, those keen to invest in their own island adventure are in luck, as the owners of a luxury glamping business found on the west coast of Arran has put their company on the market due to their upcoming retirement.
King Caves Glamping by Machrie in Arran, is a dog-friendly destination that very much enjoys the glamping trend that’s all the rage these days. This 4.25-acre site features a variety of lodges and pitches, hot tubs, EV-charging points and everything else that more affluent holiday-goers would look for when hoping to discover one of Scotland’s most popular islands.
Investment within the more rural parts of Scotland, such as the islands, is something I’m always keen to champion. Simply by drawing attention to some of the most gorgeous parts of the country, that are often forgotten, then we can truly sell the very best of what Scotland has to offer.
We have certainly enjoyed riding the wave of the staycation boom and the longevity of the sector looks set to continue as more investment comes in. We just need to hope the weather is as invested in helping tourism as others are.
Is Scotland’s shipbuilding set to sail again?
In the heart of Scotland’s industrial heritage lies our small but mighty shipbuilding trade. A testament to its resilience amidst global challenges, the sector has managed to somewhat steer its way through ever-turbulent waters.
BAE Systems in Glasgow and Babcock in Rosyth are showing us that we need not mourn the shipbuilding of old, because from the ashes something new has been slowly cementing its place within our economical make-up.
The Cross-Party Group on Maritime and Shipbuilding recently emphasised the need for further shipyard infrastructure improvements to allow Scotland to recapture a share of the commercial shipbuilding market.
Alongside this, a fiery debate ensues on the Clyde’s south bank, as campaigners rally the call for Inchgreen (Greenock) to come back into public ownership – a scenario already rejected by the Scottish Government. After the debacle with Ferguson Marine in Port Glasgow, this is a sensible move.
Fully owned by Peel Ports, they have promised to keep the site for marine-based industry. And, despite the disharmony, there does appear to be some hope downwind, with excitement around the port potentially being used to make wind farm support vessels, creating hundreds of jobs.
With Peel Ports and the Cross-Party Group making these comments weeks after BP announced plans for four new Scottish-built ships to support its ScotWind offshore wind bid, I sense that the tides are perhaps turning on Scotland’s recent shipbuilding past.
Ferguson is also almost ready to launch the much-maligned and grossly over-budget Glen Sannox ferry, providing a vital new vessel for CalMac to serve the islands, and demonstrating it too may have a future after all.
With strategic support, this flurry of activity has the potential for Scotland’s shipbuilding industry to not just weather the storm, but the opportunity to chart a course towards a renewed tradition.
It Made Me Laugh
Burberry gets derailed by Scotrail design
Fashionistas will be aware that Burberry released their latest oxymoron instalment of the high-end hoodie recently.
Maybe those south of Galashiels won’t notice, but many were quick to point out that the new hoodie looks strangely like a Scotrail seat, branded with a blue and white check.
Despite one’s potential nationalism, no one wants to spend £990 on a hoodie that reminds them of your morning commute.
I nearly spat my coffee out after reading that it would ‘probably get delivered late or just not turn up.’
I don’t expect Burberry to release separate products within Scotland, but it serves as a useful reminder that market research pays.
Know each market you want to work in. It can save you the embarrassment later.
It Made Me Weep
Wonka event leaves a bitter taste
The Glasgow Willy Wonka debacle from last week strikes a particularly sour note. As families grapple with soaring living costs, the promise of a chocolate-coated fantasy has turned bitter, leaving children in tears and parents seething.
Attendees at the themed event, which promised to ‘turn dreams into a reality’, were met by a shambolic set that was a far cry from the AI generated website images, causing an outcry for refunds.
It’s a stark reminder of the lows some businesses will stoop to, preying on the excitement of children and generosity of parents for profit.
No doubt the company involved was hoping to quietly get away with it, however with the media outcry, they will certainly be labelled bad eggs.
