Ayrshire Coastal Path will bring more tourists and economic benefits

By: Murdoch MacDonald

SOUTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL Provost Winifred Sloan, Depute Provost Ian Clarkson of North Ayrshire Council and guests have officially opened the Ayrshire Coastal Path at a ceremony (pictured below) next to the Low Green in Ayr.


[CLICK ON IMAGE TO VIEW / DOWNLOAD FULL-SIZE VERSION.]

The Ayrshire Coastal Path runs from Skelmorlie in North Ayrshire to Glenapp in South Ayrshire, a total distance of just over 100 miles. The Path includes detours to the Burns National Heritage Centre and Dundonald Castle, and connects with many other walks and paths.

Provost Winifred Sloan said: “The Ayrshire Coastal Path is yet another great facility that the people of Ayrshire and visitors to the area can enjoy. While outdoors exercising in the fresh air people will be able to experience and enjoy magnificent scenery.

“The path provides an uninterrupted walk from Largs to Girvan with bridges spanning rivers along the way. There are many historical sites situated on or adjacent to the walk that can be easily accessed. Walkers who visit them will bring economic benefits to the villages and towns that they are situated in.

“I am sure that the Ayrshire Coastal Path will soon become as famous as the West Highland Way, and further raise the profile of Ayrshire. I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in this ambitious project, it shows what can be achieved with good teamwork.”

Immediately after the unveiling of a commemorative sign to mark the Ayrshire Coastal Path a group of Hospice supporters started off from the Low Green on a sponsored walk. The walkers were raising funds for the Ayrshire Hospice at the same time as raising the profile of the Ayrshire Coastal path. Nigel Martin OBE, Chair of the Ayrshire Hospice, was at the launch to give his support to those taking part in the sponsored walk and those who generously sponsored them.

Further information about the Ayrshire Coastal Path can be obtained by logging on to www.ayrshirecoastalpath.org

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New street signs and pocket map guide tourists around Ayr

CARNEGIE LIBRARY in Ayr and the town centre echoed with the sound of a Town Crier at the dual launch of Ayr’s new distinctive black and gold Ayr-Ways signage system of mapping and information points in Ayr town centre and FREE pocket sized map. These will both guide new residents and visitors to Ayr to places of interest and make sure they see the best that Ayr has to offer.


[Pictured at one of the Ayr-Ways displays in the Sandgate in Ayr are the Town Crier with Depute Provost Mary Kilpatrick behind Ainsleah McQuiston (front left) and Amy McPherson (front right) who were handing out information leaflets about the new system. CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO VIEW / DOWNLOAD FULL-SIZE VERSION.]

The Ayr-Way signage combines colourful mapping, photographs and text that together highlight Ayr’s past and the facilities available in the town. Although Ayr town centre is relatively small, with lots of interesting streets, visitors can become disorientated and miss some of the best parts. These include the High Street, Sandgate and the Citadel that have many buildings of architectural interest, plus the River Ayr, the seafront and Low Green all with exciting stories to tell of Ayr’s past.


[Pictured: South Ayrshire Council Depute Provost Mary Kilpatrick officially launched the Ayr-Ways signage system at Carnegie Library in Ayr, and is pictured with invited guests.]

Speaking at the launch, South Ayrshire Council’s Depute Provost, Mary Kilpatrick said: “People who know Ayr well have no trouble find their way around Ayr town centre easy and getting to our beautiful beach. Ayr’s medieval street layout makes this a little more difficult for visitors. The new Ayr-Ways signs and the free pocket map will make it easier for visitors to explore and make sure that they do not miss the many exciting places of interest that are within walking distance of the town centre. We have to do everything we can to attract visitors to Ayr and encourage them to return.”

On the day of the launch a Town Crier, accompanied by two assistants, spread the word about the new system as he walked around the High Street and the Sandgate. He encouraged people to visit Carnegie Library and see a specially created exhibition in the foyer that displays the panels used in the Air-Ways system and the FREE pocket map.

Councillor Hywel Davies, the Portfolio Carrier for Learning and Prosperity said: “It is very important that visitors to Ayr are helped to find their way around Ayr town centre. Tourism is crucial to our local economy, it generates around £200 million pounds per year to South Ayrshire, and is an important source of employment.

“The Ayr-Ways signs are a simple way of guiding tourists, who arrive in Ayr at the bus and rail stations or car parks, round the town and letting them make informed choices about how they would like to spend their time in the town.”

In addition 100,000 promotional FREE pocket maps have been produced that contain valuable information about facilities and buildings in and around Ayr.

South Ayrshire Council funded the project with grant support from Scottish Enterprise and European Union through the European Regional Development Fund.

Scottish Enterprise project manager Catriona McLeod said: “The Ayr-Ways project will significantly improve the local tourist experience by encouraging visitors to explore Ayr further, to stay longer and come back again which in turn will bring added economic benefits to the town.

“This enhanced public information provision in Ayr’s town centre and seafront areas will prove a real boon for the many visitors attending the annual Burns an’ a’ that Festival in the coming weeks.”

www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk

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Ayrshire entrepreneur Ross McKinnon
wins Moffat Award for boosting tourism

By: Jen Nash

A CORPORATE EVENTS specialist from Ayrshire has won a prestigious award at the inaugural Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust / Moffat Charitable Trust Awards for Travel & Tourism, held in Glasgow.


[Pictured: Mr Jamie Moffat of the Moffat Charitable Trust, Ross McKinnon of Amazing Days Scotland and Mark Strudwick, chief executive of the Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust. CLICK ON IMAGE TO VIEW / DOWNLOAD FULL-SIZE VERSION.]

Ross McKinnon from Kilmarnock and founder of Amazing Days Scotland, won the Moffat Award for excellent customer service as well as a £1,000 cash prize at an awards ceremony to recognise outstanding young businesses demonstrating best practice, excellent customer service and positive economic and community impact in the Scottish travel and tourism sector.

The Moffat Awards were unveiled by the Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) in July last year, thanks to The Moffat Charitable Trust which has pledged almost £300,000 to support the Awards.

Ross McKinnon (27) launched his business with the help of a PSYBT loan in 2006 and specialises in offering unusual and memorable packages for corporate as well as private clients. These include experiencing Loch Lomond by speedboat, the Southern Highlands by seaplane and the Highlands by horseback.

Last year PSYBT supported over 80 tourism businesses offering goods and services that enhance the community and overall visitor experience of Scotland. Commenting, PSYBT chief executive Mark Strudwick said: “Today’s winners are shining examples of the large numbers of young entrepreneurs who are playing a leading role in creating outstanding visitor attractions and experiences in Scotland. It is thanks to The Moffat Charitable Trust that the contribution and positive community impact of young businesses such as those here today are being recognised.”

Speaking on behalf of The Moffat Charitable Trust, Mr Jamie Moffat said: “We are delighted to be supporting young people who have a passion for business, to play a leading role in enhancing tourism in Scotland. The judging was extremely difficult, but today’s finalists are very worthy winners.”

PSYBT was launched in January 1989 and is a national organisation with offices in 18 regions across Scotland. To date, 8,545 (10,118 proprietors) businesses have been assisted with £30.9m awarded - £27.5m in loans (89%) and £3.4m in grants (11%).

The Moffat Trust is named after one of Scotland’s best known names in the travel and tourism industry, Mr Jim Moffat, co-founder of AT Mays. Founded in Saltcoats in Ayrshire in the 1950s as All Travel by Mr Jim Moffat and his wife Margie Moffat, AT Mays grew to become the third largest travel group in the UK, eventually employing over 2,500 people.

www.amazingdays-scotland.com

www.psybt.org.uk

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Glasgow Prestwick Airport re-opens
Ayrshire’s gateway to South of France

By: Neil Richardson

GLASGOW PRESTWICK AIRPORT is delighted to announce that its gateway to the south of France reopened today (Thursday 1 May).

Ryanair’s direct low cost service to Marseille will carry thousands of Scots to the warmth of the Mediterranean over the summer, and Glasgow Prestwick Airport is expected to handle an additional 40,000 passengers as a result.


Among the passengers on the first Marseille flight of 2008 were Ian and Eleanor Macdonald from Irvine (pictured above), who booked up in January for a 10-day barge tour in the Marseille area.

Ian and Eleanor were chosen at random from the passengers to receive a bottle of champagne and a pair of return flights to Marseille to mark the occasion.


[Pictured: Eleanor and Ian MacDonald with GPA marketing executive Louise Muir (left) and GPA marketing manager Gillian McPherson (right). CLICK ON EITHER IMAGE TO VIEW / DOWNLOAD FULL-SIZE VERSION.]

The flights operate three times a week on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, and an early departure time from Scotland means visitors to the region can make the most of their first full day there.

An ideal climate and location make Marseille a versatile destination – take in the splendour of France’s second city and largest port, or use it as a gateway to Provence, and the Provencal way of life, by visiting spots such as Aix-en-Provence or Saint Tropez which, while quieter, are no less impressive.

Glasgow Prestwick Airport chief executive Mark Rodwell said: “It is great to see the Marseille flights are back for the summer, as it is a fantastic destination for a holiday or even a short break.

“Marseille and Provence are areas that have something for everyone, with amazing coastal scenery and there is enough to satisfy those with a passion for art, history, culture, nightlife, sport and great food and drink.”

Ryanair’s UK sales and marketing executive Ashley Casey added: “We are delighted to welcome back today this service from Glasgow Prestwick Airport to Marseille, a popular destination for holidaymakers and second home owners. Marseille adds to the fantastic range of European destinations we now offer from Glasgow Prestwick Airport at guaranteed lowest fares.

“To celebrate Ryanair is offering flights from Glasgow Prestwick Airport to Marseille from £10.00* as well as some exciting European destinations from as little as £5.00* one-way including airport taxes and charges.

“Jet off to Belfast, Stockholm (Skavsta) or Barcelona (Reus) for just £5.00 from Glasgow Prestwick Airport! This unbelievable offer must end at midnight on Thursday 8 May, so we urge passengers to log onto www.ryanair.com and book immediately!”

Ryanair swapped the Marseille service for flights to Grenoble over the winter months, offering ski enthusiasts the chance their first ever ski route out of Glasgow Prestwick Airport during the winter months, when they offered winter sports enthusiasts the cheapest fares to Grenoble.

* Flights subject to availability.

www.glasgowprestwick.com
www.infratil.com
www.ryanair.com

Nick Nairn helps Ayrshire businesses to go green

From Our Own Correspondent

NICK NAIRN was the star of a recent Scottish Enterprise event, held to raise awareness of environmental issues among Ayrshire's tourism businesses.


The celebrity chef joined a number of top business personalities to demonstrate the benefits of a greener, more sustainable business.


[Picture shows Nick Nairn with guest speakers and members of Scottish Enterprise.]

More than 70 business people participated in the event, which was held at Turnberry Golf Club. The events highlighted the environmental and cost savings that companies can make by changing the way they work.

Nick gave a talk on green tourism and a cookery demonstration that illustrated the importance of local produce. In true 'Ready, Steady, Cook' style, he used a selection of local foodstuffs to create a number of delicious recipes that focused on quality and seasonal produce.

Scottish Enterprise tourism executive Annemarie Burns said: "The event was a real success, and all the speakers provided practical hints and tips about green tourism and the importance of sourcing quality, local ingredients and services.

"More and more visitors to Ayrshire expect tourism businesses to be aware of environmental issues and the event gave local businesses the opportunity to learn about improvements that they can make to their operations, while generating energy and cost savings. Tourism is a growing industry in Ayrshire, employing 12,000 people and worth £330 million to the economy. It is imperative that our industry moves with the times and embraces the green agenda."

"The event also raised £200 for the Ayrshire Forrest Education Initiative which provides learning resources to Ayrshire schools about trees, forests and recycling."

All of the event's attendees were encouraged to join the Green Tourism Business Scheme, a tourism certification scheme, managed by VisitScotland and supported by Scottish Enterprise.

Nick Nairn joined the event's other speakers, local B & B owner Nick Quick, Jim Eccleston from Taylor Nelson Sofres and Andrew Ford from AA Food Services.

For more information about the Green Tourism Business Scheme contact 01738 632162.