A number of influential international journalists have been sampling what Orkney and Scotland has to offer in advance of Homecoming Scotland 2009.
A film crew from Germany’s 100% Holiday programme visited various attractions as part of a trip organised by the national tourism organisation. Included in their itinerary was a Roving Eye Boat Tour taking in the under water footage of Scapa Flow, the Italian Chapel and Sheila Fleet Jewellery. Homecoming Scotland 2009, the year long celebration of Scotland’s many contributions to the world, was also highlighted during their stay. The footage will be broadcast early next year on German TV station SWR to an audience of up to one million potential visitors.
Two journalists from the Liverpool Echo recently visited for a second time, the last being a year ago, to explore Orkney’s impressive tourism offerings further. They visited mainland Orkney and its highlights before heading to Lyness on Hoy.
Meanwhile, six German journalists representing national and regional radio and press, from the likes of Frankfurt and Berlin, took in the sights of Kirkwall and Stromness before heading to a number of Orkney’s historic sites, including the tomb Maeshowe, the Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar and Barnhouse Neolithic Village. Together, they communicate to well over one million potential visitors.
French sailing magazine, Voiles & Voiliers recently chartered a yacht during their stay, which included sailing to Hoy with the aim of highlighting Orkney’s sailing spots to their readers. Also, VisitScotland hosted Carlos Pascual, one of Spain’s leading travel writers who writes for daily economic newspaper Cinco Días and national daily El País. He visited Orkney’s Italian Chapel, Tomb of the Eagles, Skara and Skail House.
VisitScotland’s Islands Manager, Barbara Foulkes, said: “Orkney has attracted many influential journalists which is great news as they reach out to a huge amount of people. It was an opportunity for us to really put our tourism offering on the map internationally, in addition to highlighting Homecoming Scotland 2009 to Germany’s 100% Holiday crew.
“The islands have something to suit the tastes of each type of visitor, whether it is admiring the vast array of wildlife on offer, enjoying a dram in an authentic distillery or exploring our dramatic and unique landscape.
“Homecoming is a chance for us all to get out there and sample these great things, whilst encouraging friends and family to come back to Orkney and remember just how unique a visit can be.”
To celebrate Homecoming 2009, Orkney is included in the forthcoming programme of events. It will see the Orkney International Science Festival explore the long standing historical links between Orkney and Australia, incorporating a ‘For A’That’ element for the first time. Australian environmentalist Stan Mussared will present the principles of the Earth Charter, which echoes Burns’ sentiments that we must respect all living beings on earth. The programme will also include Australian piper Ross Scott and the Kirkwall City Pipe Band.
This is one of many Homecoming festivals and events which will take place in 2009 from Burns Night in January until St Andrews Day across Scotland. Local residents are being encouraged to play their part and celebrate what will be the 250th anniversary of the birth of national poet and bard, Rabbie Burns.
A Scottish Government initiative, Homecoming Scotland 2009 is managed by Scotland’s national events agency, EventScotland in partnership with VisitScotland. For more information on Homecoming Scotland, to sign up for the Homecoming Scotland newsletter or to send an electronic invitation to friends and family go to www.homecomingscotland2009.com
