Glimpses of the future

A national campaign to encourage stay at home Scots to share the view from their windows has been hailed as a major success by the country’s national tourism organisation.

In just a few weeks the organisation has been inundated with images of spectacular views from people willing to share the sight from their windows at homes or their, currently closed, business premises.

Many Scots have been enthusiastic about sharing whats on their doorsteps to remind the world of what awaits when travel restrictions are changed. From images of Jimmy Perez's ‘home’ in Shetland, famous for appearing in the TV crime drama, to the lush landscape surrounding Morton Castle in Dumfries and Galloway there are views to brighten anyone’s day.

Gourock

Photo by @Kirstyjag

Since the national tourism organisation launched the social media campaign the hashtag #AWindowOnScotland has been used thousands of times across Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, creating a visual map of the country’s villages, towns and cities.

Popular posts include images of the coastline at Oban, a video of lawn mowing at lighthouse cottages on Orkney, the sunset from Gourock and a video from a lodge on the banks of Loch Ness.

Despite having a clear stay at home message the campaign was created to encourage everyone to show their part of Scotland to the world.

Abbey Cottage Tearoom, Dumfries & Galloway

It was launched as day visits and staycationing are set to be the focus of Scottish tourism when restrictions are eased, as set out in the National Action Plan published by the Scottish Tourism Emergency Response Group, chaired by VisitScotland.

“We’re thrilled at the reaction to #AWindowOnScotland from residents and heartened that businesses are engaging with the campaign and using the opportunity to share their windows on Scotland with the world during this challenging time,” said Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland.

“The staycation market will be a key driver in the country’s economic recovery and the many wonderful views people have been sharing while they stay at home will surely be an incentive for many to travel when the time comes.

“The campaign is far from over and we’d encourage residents and businesses to continue posting their views, however they may look, as it is all Scotland, to help lift the spirits of those at home and abroad.”

Scotch Whisky, Edinburgh

The Big Houses in the Scottish Borders Group, which represents eleven of the finest historic houses, is among the organisations that are supporting the campaign.

#AWindowOnScotland campaign provides us with a great visual opportunity to continue to promote our Houses, their gardens and their wildlife from the same perspective as everyone at home,” said Gillian Steele, Chair of Big Houses in the Scottish Borders.

“I don’t think people will necessarily forget we are here, but with us all looking out of our windows dreaming of that day when we can travel again, and indulge our passion for Scottish heritage, this campaign strikes a chord. I’m encouraging all the Big Houses to take part, and I hope between the eleven of us we will give visitors a reminder of how beautiful our Houses and gardens look.”

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