A new tourist driving route has been introduced to Scotland covering many of the North East Scotland tourist favourites.
Launched at the Moray Speyside Tourism Conference in Elgin, the North East 250 circular route will take visitors on a journey through Speyside, the Cairngorms, Royal Deeside, Aberdeen, the East Coast and the Moray Coast giving visitors the opportunity to drive fantastic roads with lovely views while also being able to explore castles, wildlife, coastal villages, stunning beaches, golf courses, mountains, forests and distilleries.
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It is hoped that the new route will bring additional trade to communities situated along the North East 250, with visitors to the North East wishing to explore Scotland in a different way and to make the most of the various itineraries possible.
The North East 250 has been developed by local businessman Guy Macpherson-Grant who is confident that the North East 250 will encourage people to come to the region, to enjoy driving its roads and to enjoy everything it has to offer besides: spectacular scenery, bounteous wildlife, globally renowned food and drink, traditional warm hospitality and activities galore.
Guy Macpherson-Grant explained his vision: “I am delighted to reveal the North East 250 today amongst fellow tourism businesses in Moray Speyside. I am excited by the potential of the North East 250 to bring more visitors to our area and experience, what I believe, is the very best that Scotland has to offer. We need businesses along the Route to really get behind it and help make it the success I know it can be.”
Laurie Piper, Operations Manager at Moray Speyside Tourism, the destination marketing organisation responsible for promoting Moray to visitors, commented: “I am confident that the North East 250 will contribute to the continued growth and development of Moray Speyside’s tourism industry – which is what everybody gathered at the today’s conference is aiming for.”
The North East 250 has already attracted significant support amongst businesses along the route. Partners and Supporters include Chivas Brothers, Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens, Turcan Connell, Walkers, Aberdeen International Airport, Speyside Gardens and the Station Hotel, Rothes.
Jo Robinson, VisitScotland Regional Director, said: “This exciting new route is a welcome asset to the North East and will, we would hope, simulate the success of other similar routes around Scotland.
“This area has arguably the best scenery, landscapes and views in Scotland and we would anticipate that the introduction of such a route will bring economic benefit to the area and its tourism businesses through increased visitors.
“VisitScotland works closely with communities and businesses to showcase the rich assets, hidden gems and stories of every region in Scotland. Tourism is more than a holiday experience – it is integral to sustaining communities across Scotland by generating income, creating jobs and stimulating social change.”
The North East 250 team has carefully curated initial lists of places to visit, as well as provided information on some accommodation providers and local amenities. Information on these can be found on www.northeast250.com under each of the route’s sectors: Speyside, the Cairngorms, Royal Deeside, Aberdeen, the East Coast and the Moray Coast. These attractions and places to visit will be added to all the time as businesses sign up, and feedback from people who have completed the route is encouraged to ensure that the best experience is created for future visitors.
Those visitors or locals doing the route can also become a Member for access to extras, including: a downloadable itinerary of choice, a printed map of the route, a North East 250 Member car sticker and a souvenir North East 250 Passport – to be stamped as you travel along the route.
