John Muir Way

MEDIA CALLING NOTICE

What: In response to the recent LEADER funding awarded to the John Muir Way for brand development, VisitScotland Chief Executive Malcolm Roughead will meet with Keith Geddes, Chair of both the Central Scotland Green Network Trust board and the John Muir Way Partnership (and the originator of the idea for the John Muir Way), at the Boathouse at the Auchinstarry Marina in Kilsyth for a photo call.

Also in attendance will be a representative from The Boathouse, which is set by the Forth and Clyde canal side and also a stamping station for the John Muir Way route passport, and Gavin Morton, Marketing and Business Engagement Officer for the John Muir Way, to answer any detailed questions on the funding plans.

Where: The Boathouse, Auchinstarry Marina, Kilsyth G65 9SG

Date: Wednesday 20 November 2019

Time: 15:30 – 15:55 - see breakdown of timings below

Background:

Launched in 2014, the John Muir Way (JMW) is one of Scotland’s newest long distance routes. Stretching 134 miles coast to coast from Helensburgh to Dunbar, the route links the best of Central Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage. It is a flagship project in the Central Scotland Green Network and is accredited as one of Scotland’s Great Trails.

The focus of the new £144,000 funding, is to create new opportunities for consumers and businesses to engage with the John Muir Way brand. This can be through a variety of ways such as merchandise, sponsorship and website listings to help create a sustainable income stream for managing the route. This will ensure the route’s ongoing sustainability while adding value to the user experience and business benefit. The project also includes marketing and business engagement activity through to the end of 2020 Scotland’s Year of Coasts & Waters, and a 12-month route user monitoring study that will report back in November 2020.

Event schedule:

15.30 - Photo call begins. 15.45 - Interview opportunity with Malcolm Roughead, and