Press release -
Making the most of our coast
A museum housed in a historic coastguard building and featuring maritime heritage is the latest addition to Aberdeenshire’s Coastal Trail guide.
The Maggie Law Maritime Museum sits beside the old harbour and slipway in the centre of Gourdon. The Maggie Law was one of the first inshore lifeboats, built in 1890 and rowed by six men; she was in service for 40 years and saved 36 lives.
The museum in her name caters for all ages and is a new addition to Aberdeenshire’s Coastal Trail leaflet, a guide which is being promoted by VisitScotland in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council.
Parts of Aberdeenshire’s coastline were rated amongst the most scenic in the world by National Geographic magazine. Visitors to the region can follow the 165-mile signposted Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail and explore the delights of this incredible part of Scotland for themselves.
There are dramatic clifftop walks, captivating coves, beautiful nature reserves with an abundance of wildlife, expansive beaches, charming towns and villages, world-class links golf courses and not-to-be-missed visitor attractions.
It is hoped that promoting the Coastal Trail will encourage people to stay longer and spend more in the region. The new guide highlights 31 fascinating attractions and beauty spots along the route, which takes in the Banffshire and East Grampian coast. Highlights include Portsoy Salmon Bothy, Sandhaven Meal Mill, Fraserburgh Heritage Centre, Arbuthnott Musum, Peterhead; dolphins at Torry Battery, Cruden Bay Beach, RSPB Fowlsheugh, by Stonehaven; and St Cyrus National Nature Reserve.
The guide also focuses on historic Banffshire harbours, including Portsoy, and gives tips on the best places to don a wetsuit and surf the waves, including Banff Links, Sandend and Aberdeen Beach.
Also highlighted in this latest brochure is Admiralty Gateway – the historic former Peterhead Prison, which opens this summer and gives insight into life as a prison warden.
Jo Robinson, VisitScotland Regional Director, said:
“The Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail brochure is a fantastic tool for visitors wishing to explore the breathtaking coastline of Aberdeenshire - from Cullen in the north to St Cyrus in the south.
“The brochure includes a wealth of great local information ranging from historic harbours and outdoor adventures to glorious golf and wonderful wildlife. The inclusion of Maggie Law Maritime Museum is yet another interesting local attraction for visitors of all ages to explore.
“Tourism is more than a holiday experience, it is the heartbeat of the Scottish economy, supporting communities and creating jobs throughout the year in every corner of the country.”
Nikki Morris, Marketing Director from VisitAberdeenshire, said:
“Aberdeenshire is blessed with some of the best coastal scenery from stunning sandy beaches, sea cliffs, wildlife and breathtaking views. The Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail is a must-do experience for visitors to Aberdeenshire and allows them to fully appreciate all that this stunning coastline has to offer.”
For more information, visit www.visitscotland.com/coastaltrail
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Caption: Pictured outside Maggie Law Maritime Museum are (back L-R): Jessica MacLeod, Assistant Regional Brand Manager at VisitScotland; David Wright, Industry Support Executive (Tourism), Aberdeenshire Council; Maggie Law staff Tom Carnie, Marie Carnie and Michael Webster and Jillian Burns, VisitAberdeenshire’s Marketing & Business Engagement Executive and (front L-R): Jo Robinson, VisitScotland Regional Director; and Bridget O’Hare, staff member from Maggie Law Maritime Museum.
Topics
- Tourism
Categories
- st cyrus
- aberdeenshire coastal trail
- corporate communications
Regions
- Scotland
Notes to Editors
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Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design 2016 - 2016 will shine a spotlight on Scotland’s achievements in innovation, architecture and design through a wide-ranging, variety of new and existing activity.
- The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design begins on 1 January 2016 and ends on 31 December 2016 and will build on the momentum generated by the 2015 Year of Food and Drink as well as previous years including Homecoming Scotland 2014, the Year of Creative and the Year of Natural.
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- The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design is a Scottish Government initiative being led by VisitScotland, and supported by a variety of partners including Scottish Government, Creative Scotland, Architecture + Design Scotland, Scottish Tourism Alliance, Scottish Enterprise, The National Trust for Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS).
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