First times's a charm

As former First Lady Michelle Obama arrives in Scotland for the first time, the national tourism organisation has turned to the country’s biggest fans to help identify the must-see and dos every new visitor should include on their Scottish itinerary.

VisitScotland quizzed its Twitter followers* for their top suggestions for Mrs Obama to take-in as she arrives, into Scotland to address a charity dinner in Edinburgh.

Research** shows that nearly 60% (58%) of first-time visitors are attracted to Scotland for its scenery and landscapes, while almost half (47%) come for history and culture and 42% named Scotland as a place they’ve always wanted to visit.

Top travel picks on twitter reflected many of those things and included:

• Hiking in Glencoe - @VirginiaSlimLA also singled out “a magnificent area just West of Drumnadrochit filled with snow-capped mountains, loads of waterfalls, lochs, even a derelict castle.”
• Visiting the Kelpies – a trip to see the famousmagnificent statues which were designed by sculptor Andy Scott was suggested by @sidesoyal who commented “I can’t think of anything else other than the #Kelpies to see first…”
• Enjoying a dram in Malt Whisky country – suggested by @MaryJeanUK who added “Speyside has some of the best scenery, culture and traditions in Scotland.”
• Edinburgh in August - was the recommendation of @jokka1977. August marks the busiest period for Edinburgh’s world-famous festivals, including the largest arts festival in the world, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
• Sampling seafood in Oban – highlighted by@ImagesbyTDashfi
• Taking in the beauty of the West Coast – by@Val97362008 who posted “(the) Stunning West Coast, Arisaig, Mallaig! White sands, blue clear sea and sunsets to chase all evening!!

According to the most recent figures*** 44 per cent of visits to Scotland were from people experiencing the country for the first time, compared to 33 per cent in 2009, indicating that Scotland is becoming more popular as a destination for first time visitors.

The former first lady jets into Scotland today to speak at The Hunter Foundation event at the EICC, following in the footsteps of her husband ex U.S president Barack Obama who made the same trip last year. Mr Obama played a round of golf on the St Andrews Old Course during his visit.

Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said: “Scotland clearly left an impression on Barack Obama after his 2017 trip with his wife Michelle including a visit to our beautiful country in her no-doubt busy schedule.

“Scotland boasts incredible scenery, vibrant culture and awe-inspiring attractions that draw visitors from all over the world for the first time and back again.

“Mrs Obama’s trip serves to strengthen our already stellar reputation as a must-see destination and we hope she enjoys our warm Scottish welcome and has a chance to experience more of what our incredible country has to offer.”

For more information on holidays in Scotland visit www.visitscotland.com