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
National Theatre of Scotland launches a new interactive map for Scotland to demonstrate its love for the Big Yin, inviting people to share their own Billy Connolly memories.
READ MORETouring Scotland from June, the cast is announced for Hen Night Horror, an original musical comedy that promises to put the willies right up ye!
READ MOREAldi Scotland's popular 'Best Home Bar' competition has returned for another year, with a year's supply of beer up for grabs!
READ MOREThe first opening road bridge across the River Clyde is a step closer to completion as the first section of the Renfrew Bridge has arrived in Renfrewshire.
READ MOREPaisley Food and Drink Festival returns to the town this weekend for a two-day feastival with plenty for everyone to sample and enjoy.
READ MOREWith a staggering 14 million adults in the UK unable to swim, the team behind The Learn to Swim National Framework has launched a new campaign to encourage adults in Scotland to learn the life skill.
READ MORERunners in Renfrewshire are set to benefit from a new running track at the On-X Sports Centre in Linwood after a contract was approved by councillors.
READ MOREACCORD Hospice is pleased to announce the return of its annual art exhibition to The Art Department in Paisley between the 26th of April and 10th May.
READ MORENow in its 30th year, the show is the go-to exhibition for any self-builders or renovators looking for practical tips, expert advice, or the chance to view 1000s of products.
READ MOREDuring the Easter holidays, hundreds of kids across Renfrewshire have enjoyed free school holiday activity camps.
READ MORELatest investigations by National Trust for Scotland archaeologists at Culloden Battlefield have recovered a wide range of artefacts.
READ MOREThe Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair (SGF) is back for 2024, celebrating its 35-year anniversary at Scone Palace.
READ MOREDobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is inviting plant enthusiasts and foodies alike to a brand new Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience at its stores nationwide.
READ MOREThis year's Springfest, set to take place this weekend, has been postponed due to forecasted high winds.
READ MOREThe Paisley 10k and Fun Run will see thousands taking to the streets when the event returns to the town on Sunday 18th August, 2024.
READ MOREEnvironmentally conscious individuals are being asked to volunteer for a new community taskforce to help protect Renfrewshire's rich riverbank habitats.
READ MOREPaisley's Spring Farmyard Trail is coming to Paisley town centre from Friday the 29th of March until Monday 15th of April.
READ MOREHistoric Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that over twenty sites across the country are set to reopen their doors to visitors this weekend.
READ MOREJoin Diabetes Scotland for a virtual event about an exciting new programme supporting children and young people 11 - 25 living with type 1 diabetes - Together Type 1.
READ MORENoughties stars The Cheeky Girls, Gareth Gates and S Club 7's Bradley McIntosh have taken a sip back in time to mark the release of IRN-BRU's new 2000s-inspired flavours!
READ MOREGP Racing Simulators will incorporate 10 professional grade racing simulators, each equipped with a racing seat, steering wheel, pedals and a 43" monitor, alongside a licensed bar and dining complex.
READ MORERenfrewshire has honoured local groups and volunteers for their work in the community at the Provost's Community Awards.
READ MOREDobbies is welcoming families along to 68 of its stores this Easter to enjoy an array of free activities, including its Little Seedlings Club workshop and Easter Holiday sessions.
READ MOREThe search is on to find the best of the best in Scottish tourism as the Scottish Thistles Awards returns.
READ MOREPaisley's Learning and Cultural Hub has won a national award. The new home for Paisley Central Library won the physical category at the EDGE Awards.
READ MOREThe Easter weekend is going to be eggs-tra special at Cardwell Garden Centre this year.
READ MOREThis year's FREE Springfest is playing host to two great Scottish chefs – Niall Murray and Rohan Wadke, who will inspire visitors with their FREE cooking demonstrations.
READ MOREA host of brand-new family favourites are landing at Vue this Easter, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to spend quality family time at the big screen during the holidays.
READ MOREGroups connected with the refurbishment of Paisley Museum are celebrating today after picking up an honour at the Smiley Charity Film Awards in London.
READ MORESpring is in the air and with it comes the return of one of Scotland's largest outdoor food and drink festivals to Paisley!
READ MOREGo Radio | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West - Listen on DAB, Online or on your Smart Speaker, just say "Launch Go Radio"