WEST IS BEST: Ross-shire attractions hook up to entice beauty spot visitors to linger longer
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SIX Wester Ross visitor attractions are working together on a new initiative to encourage visitors to take their time, explore and discover the many fascinating stories the area offers.
Ullapool Museum, Corrieshalloch Gorge, the Russian Arctic Convoy Museum, Inverewe Garden, Gairloch Museum and Applecross Heritage Centre have developed a trail that highlights the opportunity for visitors to stop and learn more about the history and heritage of the area they are passing through.
The visitor attractions on the trail are all independent, largely self-financing through admissions and membership models and keen to ensure that visitors to Wester Ross take the chance to learn more about the beautiful area they are passing through.
The initiative will see a promotional flyer used to highlight the heritage attractions, as well as a trail leaflet offering guests a 10 per cent discount on admission fees at each of the heritage attractions.
The attractions are keen to support local communities in their effortd to promote a slower, sustainable and more meaningful experience, and for guests to immerse themselves in the amazing landscapes and histories of the area.
It is also hoped that this approach to tourism in Wester Ross will have a knock-on effect of more overnight stays, helping to support local businesses.
West is Best is designed to get guests to slow down, appreciate all that Wester Ross has to offer and motivate guests to learn and understand the rich tapestry of stories that this part of Scotland has to offer.
The Russian Arctic Convoy Museum said: “We are delighted to be participating in this exciting initiative. Wester Ross offers a huge variety of places to visit and beautiful scenery to enjoy. The Russian Arctic Convoy Museum, with its unique collection of artifacts and memorabilia, tells the story of the involvement of Loch Ewe and the surrounding area in the Arctic Convoys to the Soviet Union in World War II.”
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Applecross Heritage Centre said: “Wester Ross has so much to offer and we are delighted to be part of this scheme. We have a rich history and culture to celebrate at the Heritage Centre, so, thig a-steach!”
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Inverewe Garden and Corrieshalloch Gorge said: “This has been a wonderful initiative to work on with our good neighbours across Wester Ross. With Inverewe and Corrieshalloch receiving almost 200,000 guests a year we really hope that a proportion of our guests will go on and visit the other amazing heritage attractions in Wester Ross.”
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Ullapool Museum said: “We are thrilled to be able to work with these amazing organisations in promoting our shared heritage, culture and history. Ullapool Museum is very excited to be rolling out new routes of engagement to entice families through our doors and we hope that this campaign can aid us in becoming a sustainable business again.”
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Gairloch Museum said: “We all have lots to offer, from fascinating objects like our lighthouse lens and replica crofthouse to outdoor experiences, like our Archaeological trail and Outdoor Museum featuring objects linked to the fishing industry. Working togther, we hope we can encourage folk to stay longer and make the most of their visit to stunning Wester Ross.”
See also: Tributes to creator of Gairloch Museum as she stands down from role
