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Welcome to Scotland
27/11/2007
New images representing Scotland's landscape, its people and achievements will greet travellers at main airports along with the message 'Welcome to Scotland' from today.
The theme of the campaign was unveiled at Glasgow Airport by External Affairs and Culture Minister Linda Fabiani.
It will incorporate a range of local messages celebrating diversity and success across Scotland - with distinct point of entry images at Glasgow, Edinburgh, Prestwick, Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen airports.
The Minister said:
"This Government is determined to make the most of Scotland's image and reputation both here at home and abroad.
"From St Andrew's Day, these images will welcome people arriving in our country and Scots coming home, giving everyone a taste and glimpse of the very best of Scotland - enticing everyone to see more.
"As one of the first things that people will see upon arriving in Scotland, these images celebrate the historic and modern day successes that have shaped our country.
"We are also highlighting a range of local success stories such as Edinburgh as UNESCO's first city of literature; Ayrshire as the home of Robert Burns, our world renowned national poet; Glasgow as the host city for the 2014 Commonwealth Games; Dundee, a rejuvenated City of Discovery; Aberdeen, the Energy Capital of Europe; and Inverness, Capital of the Highlands.
"This is not about developing flashy slogans - it's much more real that that. This is about showing what a modern, vibrant and successful country Scotland is."
Glasgow City Council Leader Steven Purcell said:
"We are delighted to see key messages about Glasgow - including our Commonwealth Games win - and striking city imagery incorporated into the Scottish Government's new point of entry materials being launched for St. Andrew's Day.
"These new materials mean that whatever your reason for visiting Glasgow Airport or Glasgow Prestwick, you will be left in no doubt about the modern, dynamic city that lies beyond."
VisitScotland chief executive Philip Riddle said:
"Scotland is famous for its warm welcome, and these new images are an excellent representation of that welcome for visitors from around the world. These will be among the first images that our visitors see when they arrive here, and so they have a key role in stimulating visitors to experience more of the fantastic range of things to do in Scotland and in establishing Scotland as a must-visit, must-return destination."
John Campbell, Chairman of Scottish Financial Enterprise, said:
"Scotland is a leading international financial services centre that contributes over £7 billon a year to the Scottish economy. From Scotland our many financial services companies deliver services to clients all over the world. The industry directly and indirectly employs over 208,000 people, with a strong concentration being in the City of Edinburgh where some 14 per cent of the working population is in the industry. Scottish Financial Enterprise welcomes the Scottish Government's initiative in prominently recognising this significance through the 'Edinburgh: real financial strength' message at Edinburgh Airport."
Professor C Duncan Rice, Principal and Vice Chancellor, University of Aberdeen said:
"The University of Aberdeen is a vibrant, multinational, multicultural community at the heart of a region of outstanding natural beauty and quality of life. We are pleased to be featured in this campaign, as it highlights the vital role we play in the economic and cultural life of the North-east and Scotland."
Shirley Bell, Chief Executive of The Robert Burns World Federation in Ayrshire said:
"Robert Burns wrote "Catch the moments as they fly and use them as ye ought…" It's great to see Scotland's bard featured in this new Scottish Government material welcoming people to Prestwick airport. Robert Burns has great historical significance but also real modern day attraction and we wish the travellers who fly into Prestwick Airport many happy moments discovering more about this country in which he is still so warmly celebrated."
Fiona Hampton, director of Highland 2007, said:
"No matter where visitors arrive in our beautiful country they will now see images reinforcing Scotland's status as a vibrant place to live and to visit. For people arriving at the Highland capital of Inverness, it will tempt them to experience our fantastic environment and our famous Highland hospitality for themselves".
Joe Morrow, Convener of Dundee City Council's economic development committee, said:
"Any art work that boosts Dundee's growing reputation as a great place to live, work and do business in is to be welcomed. Dundee Airport is an important gateway to the city and region and this facelift will catch the eye and imagination of travellers."