A SERIES of new films are being used by VisitScotland to showcase the diverse range of experiences on offer in Dumfries & Galloway.
The 60-second films each focus on one of the chosen themes – history and heritage, food and drink, and outdoor adventures – and aim to lift the lid on what makes the region a unique and memorable destination.
Produced in partnership with Dumfries & Galloway Council, the films will be used by VisitScotland to market Dumfries & Galloway across its global digital channels.
The new series follows on from the success of the ‘Little Things, BIG memories’ film produced in partnership in November 2016, which has attracted more than 335,000 in the last year.
Dumfries & Galloway has long been celebrated for its breathtaking scenery and literary links, but these films, each taking a unique look at the region, aim to inspire more visitors to come and experience everything that is on offer, from the historic visitor attractions to the walking and adventure sports, as well as the amazing local produce and culinary variety.
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In the first of the films, the focus is on the region as a destination of choice for lovers of the great outdoors. The many fantastic walking routes and beautiful scenery in the region are highlighted, from the Hugh MacDiarmid Memorial in Langholm and Moffat Water Valley to the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse, Scotland’s most southerly point. For the adrenaline seeker, canoeing and the giant 3G swing at Galloway Activity Centre are some of the many thrill-seeking activities on offer at the centre, located on the picturesque banks of Loch Ken.
Food and drink is celebrated in the second of the films. The journey starts in Castle Douglas, sampling the relaxed coffee culture of the Street Lights Coffee House. It continues to Annandale Distillery, which once again produces Scotch malt whisky in Dumfries & Galloway after closing for 99 years. A meal at the award-winning Blackaddie House Hotel in Sanquhar is enjoyed, before moving on to try the sweet treats at Cream O’Galloway, Gatehouse of Fleet, and The Cocobean Café, Twynholm, as well as the locally produced Waulkmill Cider, Langholm, and the warm atmosphere at The Crown Hotel, Portpatrick.
The final film explores historic buildings and archaeological sites, including the Iron Age Roundhouse, Whithorn, and Drumlanrig Castle, near Thornhill, lifting the lid on the history and heritage of the region. The region also boasts the unique land restoration and art project at Crawick Multiverse and The Devil’s Porridge Museum, Eastriggs where the story of life at the world’s largest munitions factory during the First World War is brought to life.
Paula Ward, VisitScotland Regional Director, said: “This latest series of films demonstrates the real breadth of experiences and assets on offer in Dumfries & Galloway. We have worked closely with Dumfries & Galloway Council, local businesses and communities to celebrate what makes the region truly unique and an outstanding place to visit.
“The films invite you to ‘stand in the middle of history’, ‘awaken your senses’ and ‘feel the force of nature’ and really do bring to life the fantastic experiences, awe-inspiring scenery and outstanding natural larder in Dumfries & Galloway.
“It is fantastic news that Dumfries & Galloway has recently been included in German online travel publication GEO.de list of 10 Top Destinations to Visit in 2018. We will now continue to build on this momentum and use these additional assets to promote the region to visitors at home and further afield, encouraging visitors to discover the magic of the region for themselves.
“Tourism is the heartbeat of the Scottish economy, causing a ripple effect which touches every industry and community, creating employment and economic growth.”
Archie Dryburgh, Chair of Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Economy, Environment and Infrastructure Committee, said: “Tourism supports thousands of jobs within our region, sustaining communities and generating hundreds of millions of pounds in revenue. These new films show the potential of our beautiful and rural region and encourage more people to visit Dumfries and Galloway by showing what we have to offer. Through these videos Dumfries and Galloway will be recognised as a destination of choice for quality, value and unique and memorable experiences.”
Linny Oliphant, Annandale Distillery Visitor Experience Manager said: “Ninety nine years after Johnnie Walker closed Annandale Distillery, we’re delighted to announce that Single Malt Scotch Whisky of the finest quality and character is flowing once again in the South of Scotland. Annandale Distillery has been lovingly restored and has many unique features ranging from archaeological and historical references to the award winning Maltings Coffee shop. It offers a complete visitor experience and we are delighted to show this off in this film.”
