 
Article Source: VisitScotland
Last Updated: 2 July 2020 14:41
From the picture-perfect houses of Tobermory and the scene stealing beauty of the Glenfinnan Viaduct; to the classic crossing of the Forth Bridge and the eye-catching design of V&A Dundee, Scotland’s landmarks are often considered a work of art. 
So, while travel restrictions remain in place due to the Covid 19 pandemic, VisitScotland has come up with a new way to draw attention to some of the country’s most iconic sights. 
Part of its online activity to help visitors dream now and travel later, the national tourism organisation has launched Sketching Scotland. A series of 20 short videos teaching virtual visitors how to sketch landmarks and locations such as Glenfinnan Viaduct, Caerlaverock Castle and the Kelpies. 
Each tutorial is accompanied by a voiceover giving advice and tips on how to create your drawing, as well as facts about each destination. It is hoped the creative campaign will inspire those who have sketched at home to visit the landmarks once travelling is possible.
Sketching Scotland is just one of several initiatives the national tourism organisation has created to bring Scotland to visitors. Other online offerings include videos, blogs, a rundown of the best virtual experiences currently on offer, a dark skies-inspired series and ideas to entertain littles ones during lockdown. There are also advice pages on the latest Scottish Government guidelines.
As the sector gears up for a potential reopening on 15 July, VisitScotland is using its online resources to help keep Scotland at the forefront of visitors’ minds. It is also working closely with the Scottish Government, industry partners and businesses to provide support and guidance to aid the recovery of one of Scotland’s most valuable tourism sector. 
Eva Kwiecinska, VisitScotland’s Senior Content Marketing Manager, said: “The Coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on the tourism industry. It’s important that new and returning visitors are still dreaming about Scotland even if they can’t physically explore just yet. We felt Sketching Scotland was a fun take on sightseeing, so even if you can’t physically visit you can still learn about some of our best-loved attractions in a completely new way. We were also conscious that people are looking for ways to use their time creatively and learn a new skill. We loved the thought that people all over the world could be taking 15 minutes to relax, draw and think of Scotland, and of course hopefully visit in’ real life’ when that is possible. 
“As restrictions are eased further, we look forward to helping encourage Scots to rediscover the own country, while at the same time supporting businesses as they prepare for the inevitable operational changes and ensuring that communities feel comfortable and capable of welcoming visitors in a safe way. “
Iconic sights which will feature throughout the series include V&A Museum, Old Man of Hoy, Orkney, Italian Chapel, Riverside Museum, Glenfinnan Viaduct, Bow Fiddle Rock, Portknockie, Forth Bridge, Calanais Standing Stones, Duff House, Tobermory houses at the harbour on Mull, The Pineapple, near Falkirk, The Kelpies/Falkirk Wheel, Caerlaverock Castle, Scottish Crannog Centre, Scottish Dark Sky Observatory, St Abbs Harbour, Abbotsford House, Culross houses, Dunfermline Abbey and Sumburgh Head and lighthouse.
To try Sketching Scotland visit: www.visitscotland.com and share your sketches on social media using #sketchingscotland
 
      First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.
READ MORE 
      Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.
READ MORE 
      Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.
READ MORE 
      Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.
READ MORE 
      Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.
READ MORE 
      Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.
READ MORE 
      Spooky season descended on Paisley at the weekend as thousands of visitors turned out for the annual Halloween Festival!
READ MORE 
      Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.
READ MORE 
      Celebrated traditional music and Gaelic arts charity, Fèis Phàislig, has announced details of a major anniversary concert to mark ten years of providing cultural opportunities for young people.
READ MORE 
      Paisley Halloween Festival is back at its spooky best as thousands of visitors attended the first night of the festival.
READ MORE 
      The winners of the latest Beat the Street challenge in Renfrewshire have now been announced!
READ MORE 
      Judges in the Scotland Loves Local Awards awarded the title after being impressed by the critical point reached in the town's 'resurgence' amid unprecedented investment in its future.
READ MORE 
      The public are urged to take part in the Scottish Government's consultation on planning laws, warning that the changes could put the country's live music venues and pubs at risk.
READ MORE 
      Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, is delighted to announce the arrival of Snowflake Gelato.
READ MORE 
      Free and low-cost screenings showcase Horror, Heritage, and Homegrown Talent selected by local curators and young people.
READ MORE 
      Families are in for a spook-tacular surprise this Halloween, as Aldi is transforming part of its Renfrew store into a pop-up Pumpkin Patch on Saturday 25th October.
READ MORE 
      Paisley Halloween Festival will return this weekend with a packed programme to fright and delight visitors!
READ MORE 
      The shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.
READ MORE 
      The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.
READ MORE 
      Scotland's scariest convention is heading to Renfrewshire for a two-day Halloween spectacular!
READ MORE 
      Renfrewshire's Provost, Lorraine Cameron is once again inviting children of primary school age to design a Christmas card for 2025.
READ MORE 
      Grab some Buddie Good Deals in Paisley town centre from Saturday 11th October until Saturday 25th October.
READ MORE 
      There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!
READ MORE 
      Scotland's largest wedding showcase, The Scottish Wedding Show, returns to Glasgow this weekend, ready to welcome thousands of couples from across the country looking to plan their dream day!
READ MORE 
      Keela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!
READ MORE 
      Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!
READ MORE 
      Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.
READ MORE 
      Former Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.
READ MORE 
      Amy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!
READ MORE 
      Scotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.
READ MORE