Published: Friday, 1st August, 2008 12:00
Stobo named tourism hot spot
By David O'Leary
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Stobo Castle has featured prominently in the most popular things to see and do in Scotland.
The survey conducted by VisitScotland and revealed by Hollywood star, Billy Boyd, highlighted the diverse range of activities in Scotland that are being taken advantage of by those who are now holidaying at home.
The survey asked UK visitors to submit their top ten things to see and do, to showcase how people chose to spend their perfect day in Scotland.
Those surveyed were given a list of 108,000 possible activities in Scotland and the results demonstrated some interesting regional variations.
Unwinding with an indulgent spa in Stobo Castle was listed as one of visitors’ favourite things to do while on a trip to Scotland.
A flight in a seaplane over Loch Lomond came a close second to dolphin watching, followed by visiting famous film locations such as Roslyn Chapel of Da Vinci Code fame, and sphering in Perthshire – rolling down a hill harnessed in to a specially constructed 12ft cushioned plastic ball!
Revealing the results, Billy Boyd, star of the Lord of the Rings trilogy and the Stone of Destiny, said: “The results of the survey demonstrate that there really is something for everyone on a holiday in Scotland. Scotland offers a wide range of fascinating adventures for all ages.”
A spokesperson for Stobo Castle said: “We are delighted with these results. We were worried about the recent financial climate but at present we’re up on our numbers from last year.
“We put this down to people who were maybe going abroad for a week or two cutting back and coming here for a pampering instead.”
A VisitScotland spokesman said: “Economic factors coupled with a renewed enthusiasm
for holidaying at home have created real potential for the Scottish Borders.
“VisitScotland has recognised the potential impact of the current economic climate and
acted to ensure that any adverse effects are avoided. Targeting the domestic market as
well as regions of England close to the Borders all have an opportunity to help the area prosper.
“We recognise that there could be difficult times ahead but by working together for a common
goal for tourism I’m cautiously confident the resilient industry we work in will prosper and
overcome the potential impacts.”
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