Press release -
Hammer time!
Ever wondered who holds the world record for haggis hurling? Or which Highland games can lay claim to the biggest bowl of porridge?
To answer these and many other fundamental questions, VisitScotland has produced its first ever Highland games guide, which details 72 events taking place throughout the country between June and September 2014.
The free 98-page guide contains event history, as well as locations, timings, prices and what visitors can expect this year. There are even details on how to research a family tree.
The national tourism organisation’s guide, which describes the history and passion behind such events as the hammer throw, caber toss and tug o’ war, also includes 14 fast facts on Highland games, 12 uniquely Scottish things to explore and seven clan-associated Highland games.
VisitScotland Chief Executive Malcolm Roughead said: “Never before have we produced such a detailed and inspirational document on all things Highland games.
“With the busy summer season already upon us and various Highland games taking place, from the Glenmorangie Field at Tain to the links of Burntisland, there are countless opportunities to experience the pride, passion and buzz of these unique events.
“As Scotland welcomes the world this summer with the upcoming Commonwealth Games, Homecoming and The Ryder Cup, I would highly recommend taking the time to go along and experience first-hand some truly authentic Scottish culture and heritage.”
Ian Grieve, Secretary of the Scottish Highland Games Association said:
“This Highland games brochure looks like a very useful tool for overseas and home visitors who may be planning a visit to Scotland and looking to see a range of traditional sports events during the summer season. A really comprehensive account of individual games will aid visitors to make their decision on what events to attend.”
Scotland’s Highland games date back almost 1000 years. Held across the country from May to September, this national tradition is said to stem from the earliest days of the clan system but games have been held in their modern format since the 1800s.
To download the free guide, go to www.visitscotland.com/highlandgamesguide
ENDS
For further information contact:
Jack Gorman
Corporate Press Officer
Tel: 0131 472 2283
jack.gorman@visitscotland.com
Out of hours media enquiries: 07699 766986
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Regions
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Notes to Editors:
- Follow us on twitter: @visitscotnews
- VisitScotland is Scotland’s national tourism organisation. Its core purpose is to maximise the economic benefit of tourism to Scotland.
- The organisation has three key roles:
- To market Scotland to all parts of the world to attract visitors
- To provide information – and inspiration – to visitors and potential visitors so they get the best out of a visit to Scotland
- To provide quality assurance to visitors and quality advice to the industry and partners to help the industry meet and strive to exceed customer expectations
- VisitScotland works together with tourism businesses to make tourism a success for everyone and ensure the industry continues to grow.
- The organisation employs 700 people and has offices and VisitScotland Information Centres across Scotland.
- 2014 is the year Scotland welcomes the world, when it hosts the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles and more than 800 Homecoming events throughout the country.For more information on Homecoming Scotland 2014, go to www.visitscotland.com
- The VisitScotland Information Centre network is a unique face-to-face channel engaging with around five million visitors and locals each year. Everyone who uses a VisitScotland Information Centre goes on to spend an additional £5.35, generating over £24 million for Scotland’s economy.
- According to a recent Deloitte study, tourism employs 270,000 people in Scotland in 20,000 diverse businesses. The same study calculates that the industry contributes £11 billion annually (direct and indirect impact, including day visits) and supports around 10 per cent of employment in Scotland. Almost 16 million tourists take overnight trips to Scotland.
- Where possible, a Gaelic speaker will be made available for broadcast interviews on request (Far an tèid iarraidh, agus far am bheil sin nar comas, bruidhinnidh neach le Gàidhlig aig agallamh)
- For holiday information on Scotland go to www.visitscotland.com
- For information about business tourism in Scotland go to www.conventionscotland.com
- For more information on VisitScotland’s annual review please go to www.visitscotland.org/about_us/our_focus/annual_report.aspx
