Water reason to visit Scotland

It’s no surprise a country with more than 10,000 miles of coastline, almost 800 off-shore islands, over 30,000 lochs and at least 26 rivers should enjoy a close affinity with water.

But for the first time in its 1,185 year history Scotland is to commemorate the life enriching qualities of its liquid assets with a year long celebration.

Next year, 2020, has been hailed Year of Coasts and Waters with the aim of encouraging overseas visitors and locals to get onboard and enjoy everything with an aquatic link the country has to offer.

From water inspired myths and legends to historic harbours, sweeping coastlines to the very best in seafood, whisky, wildlife and wellness – Scotland’s enviable reputation for unspoiled beaches, rich natural and cultural heritage and thrill-seeking adventure activities will be showcased over 12 months of events and activities.

Sailing ship moored in Loch Eil

Paul Tomkins/VisitScotland

A total of six initial events – designed to ‘wet the appetite’ for what’s in store have been announced already with many more to be revealed later in the year.

The six events include Ferry Tales from the National Theatre of Scotland - an imaginative and impactful performance and community project, with the support of Caledonian MacBrayne and their ferries, celebrating the waters surrounding Scotland’s waters and the journeys over them made by thousands of residents and visitors.

Edinburgh International Film Festival presents Scotland’s Shores - an exciting programme celebrating the country’s coasts and waterways through unique events, classic film screenings and a special outdoor coastal experience.

Clydebuilt Festival – 2020 will be the event’s fourth year, the event will significantly expand its existing offering across the festival bringing art, music, crafts, boats, dancing, sea shanties and more to the Riverside Plaza. Castle to Crane - a major component of the festival will also be back bigger than ever in 2020 with opportunities for more participants to get involved.

Canoeing in Glen Affric

Paul Tomkins/VisitScotland

The Fife Regatta 2020 – last seen in its home waters off Fairlie in 2013, the regatta will start and finish in Largs, taking in various locations around the Clyde including Holy Loch Marina, Dunoon, Rothesay, Isle of Bute and Tighnabruaich, Argyll for locals and visitors to enjoy.

River of Light - Scotland’s Boat Show and Kip Marina will make a splash in 2020 with a brand-new event that will see Scotland’s biggest boat show’s programme extended into the evening on the 10 October.

RSPB Scotland’s DolphinFest 2020 - DolphinFest 2020 will help Aberdeen become recognised as a must-visit destination for dolphin watching and will provide pop-up activities across the city that will celebrate Aberdeen’s dolphins; from interactive games, to conservation talks and citizen science projects.

In addition to a range of new and existing events the year will also provide a chance to promote and celebrate a variety of unique and authentic experiences showcasing Scotland’s unrivalled coasts and waters including The Hebridean Whale Trail, the first of its kind in the UK, set to launch later this year.

Landyachting on on the beack at St Andrews

Kenny Lam/VisitScotland

There will also be new road trip routes taking in Scotland’s winding coastlines and characterful communities including The Coig and the South West Coastal 300, and the TS Queen Mary on the River Clyde which is getting set to be one of the UK’s largest interactive maritime and social history exhibits. new restaurant with panoramic views across the Clyde.

Further investment aligned with the year includes a new state of the art visitor centre welcoming cruise ship passengers from across the world in Greenock, which will include a purpose-built gallery celebrating the work of Inverclyde resident artist George Wyllie (1921-2012) and a

A state-of-the-art Johnnie Walker visitor attraction is also set to be the centrepiece of an investment programme from Diageo designed to further boost Scotland’s whisky tourism sector. Diageo distilleries spanning Scotland’s coastlines will also receive transformational investment to create immersive brand experiences for millions of Scotch fans around the world.

The Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick, near Edinburgh, one of the UK’s leading marine education and conservation charities has also reopened the doors of its 5-star visitor attraction following completion of the first stage of their refurbishment. They also plan to transform their existing Discovery Centre with new exhibits and interactive displays - opening is set to take place in 2020.

Scotland was the first country to introduce themed years and others are starting to follow with their own ideas along similar lines.

“Scotland is leading the way as usual. It’s great that others are now doing it too, it’s a huge compliment,” said Marie Christie, Head of Development, VisitScotland Events Directorate.

“During the Year of Coasts and Waters we will obviously be celebrating and promoting our beaches and wonderful coastline but also our lochs, rivers, canals and even our distilleries - the water of life!

“Themed years provide a hook and an additional reason for people to visit Scotland. They are designed to attract tourists but also to engage with Scots at home to move around the country and find out what’s on offer.

“Next will be about nature and wildlife associated with our coastal waters. It’ll also be about heritage and culture and activities and adventures, from white-water rafting to sailing and everything in between. It’s also going to about the amazing food and drink we have in Scotland as a result of our beautiful water.”

Across the country organisations and communities have started planning a huge variety of events to ensure 2020 makes a big international splash.