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Excellence in the visitor attractions sector in Scotland has been recognised in the 2011 ASVA awards, presented at ASVA’s ‘Visitor Experience - Exceeding Expectations’ conference at the Westerwood Hotel near Glasgow on 17th November.
Our Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh won top prize in the ‘Marketing’ category for its ‘The Mother Earth of All Adventures’ campaign, which was designed to build on the 2010 launch of Scotland’s first permanent 4Dimensional visitor experience, ‘4DVENTURE’. The campaign highlighted the real adventure and ‘nowhere else’ experiences on offer at Our Dynamic Earth, through innovative adoption of an ‘Indiana Jones’ movie theme and imagery. Runners – up were National Museums Scotland and The National Trust for Scotland.
Scotch Whisky Experience won the ‘Best Visitor Experience’ award, sponsored by The Royal Yacht Britannia. Entries in this category were assessed on all aspects of the layout and content of the attraction and on the ‘experience’ offered, in particular the quality of interaction between staff and visitors. The runners-up were Blair Castle and The British Golf Museum.
Sarah Hammond, Operations Officer at the Museum of the University of St Andrews (MUSA), was announced as the winner of the ‘Rising Star’ Award. The award honours her significant contribution to MUSA and the wider Scottish tourism industry. The runners-up were Alexandra Forrest, Dundee Science Centre, and Gemma Brady, Culzean Castle and Country Park.
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Puffins parading outside burrows or whirring overhead; cliffs and stacks alive with guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, fulmars and shags; on the ground nesting eiders incubating their clutch – visitors to the Scottish Seabird Centre can experience it all on a new boat trip being launched for 2012.
The Isle of May photography trips will start on 11 April 2012: an internationally renowned seabird island, the largest east coast puffin colony in Britain, the Isle of May is a National Nature Reserve, owned and managed by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).
The island is a photographer’s dream and they will have the opportunity to travel to the island to capture some of Scotland’s most striking wildlife wonders: the group will be led at all times by an expert guide who will advise on the best locations to capture iconic images and to ensure the wildlife is undisturbed.
Tom Brock OBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Seabird Centre, said: “The specialist photographic trips have been established in partnership with our Seabird Seafari team and Scottish Natural Heritage to ensure the best possible visitor experience.”
Passengers will travel to the Isle of May from North Berwick harbour in a high speed RIB. The Isle of May photographic trips are open to age 18+ and cost £45 per person (10% discount for Scottish Seabird Centre members). Trips will take place from 11 April to September – for a full list of dates visit www.seabird.org
Image copyright - Greg McVean
Web Link:www.seabird.org
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Throughout history, many people have lost limbs as a result of conflicts around the world. Reconstructing Lives takes a fascinating and moving look at the experience of those who have lost limbs in war, whether military or civilian, and the technology which helps rebuild their lives from armour-like iron hands of the 16th century through to 21st century carbon-fibre running blades, with real examples and powerful images.
Around 41,000 British amputees came from the First World War, leading to an increase in research into prosthetics. The current conflict in Afghanistan is leading to more amputations on military personnel, and civilians being affected by landmines.
Examples on display include an early 20th century wooden ‘Anglesey leg’, named after the Marquis of Anglesey, who lost his leg in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815; and an Orion knee, made by Endolite in 2011, containing a micro-processor which deduces what the wearer is doing. In contrast, the simple but effective Jaipur leg, which is fitted to tens of thousands of people each year in poorer parts of the world, costs £30 compared with around £2,000 for an average western prosthesis.
Edinburgh has been a world leader in prosthetic arm research and development since the 1960s, and successful NHS spin-off company Touch Bionics created the i-limb hand, the first to have five individually powered fingers, in the early 21st century.
Web Link:http://www.nms.ac.uk/
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We've teamed up with Glasgow University's Department of Adult and Continuing Education (DACE) to bring you a series of lectures under the glittering stars of our planetarium. Each talk lasts approx. one hour with time for discussion afterwards.
Little Explorer Days are special days for 3-5 year olds. Each day has its own theme and includes a mix of workshops, drop ins, make and take activities, and time to explore the science mall. Little Explorer Days are an ideal outing for wee ones and their families, happening every month up until April and are great value at £7.95 for a child and an accompanying adult. On 26 Feb, children can learn about their lungs and explore their Huff and Puff and play with lots of bubbles and things that fly.
On 4 Feb join Dr Lyndsay Fletcher and learn about the Solar Maximum and see images of these exotic phenomena from the latest space missions. On 24 Feb, discover the Sky Tonight and observe the changing patterns of the scintillating stars in our Planetarium or find out how Newton's Laws of Motion can get us in to space in our live Science Show Astro-Forces! Design and build your very own rocket and get creative as we Paint the Universe.
Web Link:www.glasgowsciencecentre.org
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Castle Semple Centre has received National Recognition for becoming Scotland’s first Royal Yachting Association (RYA) ‘Sailability’ Centre of Excellence in Scotland. This means the Centre is fully equipped with having the specialised sailing equipment, experienced staff (over 25 years combined) and facilities to easily accommodate people with a wide range of disabilities.
Exciting Partnerships with the Gryffe Rotary Club, as well as the support of our local Sailing and Windsurfing Clubs along with RYA Scotland, have enabled us to expand our current range of facilities available to disabled sailors. The Gryffe Rotary Club has most generously donated a pontoon hoist which be installed at the Loch in the coming weeks in preparation for the Sailability Launch Day on Sunday 18th March.
Castle Semple Centre, in Lochwinnoch Renfrewshire, has for a long time been an RYA Training Centre providing quality sailing and powerboat tuition for budding sailors with and without disabilities. We have been working hard over the past 12 months to achieve the standards of equipment and training set by RYA Sailability required for the Centre of Excellence status.
As Centre of Excellence we will be holding a variety of taster days for potential new sailors along with a few outreach projects where we will send boats, staff and equipment to other venues to help them run taster days and attract new sailors in their area.
Web Link:www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk
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One hundred and ten years ago, Reaper, the iconic flagship of the Scottish Fisheries Museum fleet in Anstruther, was launched from the yard at Sandhaven owned by William Forbes to begin her long career as a herring drifter. Leslie (Lessie) Forbes, William’s grandson, continued the family tradition by presenting to the Scottish Fisheries Museum and its Boats Club a detailed metre long model of Reaper which he has built in homage to the most famous boat to come from the family yard.
The Museum and the Boats Club are amazed by the generosity of this special gift, which has an especial note as it continues the Museum’s long-standing links with one of Scotland’s most respected boat yards, sadly no longer in operation. In return for this gift Lessie Forbes was made an Honorary Member of both the Scottish Fisheries Museum and the Museum’s Boats Club and presented with a framed certificate by David Corner, Chair of the Museum.
In awarding the Honorary Membership of the Museum, David Corner said : “We are especially grateful to Lessie for his exceptional kindness in making this beautiful model of Reaper, which is something that the Museum has not had. The Museum is beginning a major refreshment of its layout and exhibits, and this “wee Reaper” will be given a prominent and visible role inside the Museum”.
Web Link:http://www.scotfishmuseum.org/
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For the first time ever, Blair Castle are holding 2 open days to recruit seasonal staff. The open days will take place on 10 & 11 Feb between 10am and 3pm.
Come along and meet our team and see if you have what we are looking for. Then experience Blair Castle and Garden Tours, Historic and Woodland Lodges, Caravan Park and a Land Rover or Tractor Tour.
We have part-time and full-time vacancies in the following roles: Blair Castle and Caravan Park Reception and Housekeeping; Castle Guides; Retail; Catering; Functions; Caravan Park Wardens; Garden and Grounds Maintenance.
To attend the open day you must be 16 or over and register by email to office@blair-castle.co.uk or telephone 01796 481207 stating which day you are attending. Assessment days will take place on Thurs 16 and Sat 18 Feb.
Web Link:www.blair-castle.co.uk/
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Come to the magnificent setting of the Great Hall in Stirling Palace on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th February for a Taste of the Past.
There will be special performances at 11:00 and 3:00 pm to show you how the Royals dined in Renaissance times.
Find out about the foods which were delicious in those days and how servants prepared the meals.
Gillian Macdonald, Executive Manager at Stirling Castle said: “We have brought back this event by popular demand. Find out what James V and Mary Guise would have been eating at the Royal Court. This is great fun for all the family and is included in the admission price.”
Web Link:http://www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk/
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Pitlochry Festival Theatre is pleased to announce that it will host A Celebration of the Life of Martyn James on Sunday 19th February, starting at 2pm.
This event will celebrate Martyn’s life and his many achievements both on and off stage. It is hoped that many colleagues from Martyn`s 43 years ‘in the business’ will be able to attend and participate in this celebration, which will feature contributions in the form of tributes, anecdotes, reminiscences, some filmed material and possibly a short musical performance. As well as reflecting the public face of one of Scotland`s most popular actors, Martyn`s family will also contribute to the event, sharing their memories of a much loved brother, uncle and cousin
Although entrance to this event will be free, admission will be by ticket only. Please note that tickets will be only available from 12noon on Wednesday 8th February onwards and can only be obtained by phone from PFT`s Box Office on 01796 484626.
It is expected that many hundreds of people will want to make a contribution to this event and whilst such contributions are most welcome, it will be impossible for every tribute or memory to be included. Anyone wanting to make a contribution, either in person at the event, or in writing for someone else to deliver, should contact Pitlochry Festival Theatre by e-mail on admin@pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com. Alternatively, you can post your memories of Martyn on PFT’s facebook page.
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Amber, is offering an exclusive and special Valentine’s Day dining event. ‘Amber in the Attic’ is available on Tuesday 14 February only, giving couples the chance to dine in the glittering surroundings of the Castlehill Room followed by a private viewing of the world’s largest collection of Scotch Whiskies displayed in a stunning glass vault.
Couples will enjoy a glass of pink champagne on arrival within the atmospheric surroundings which include gorgeous Swarovski chandeliers, original wooden beams, stained glass windows and chic Scottish furnishings. After dinner, guests will be given an exclusive private view of the superb Whisky collection and the chance to enjoy a dram and coffee in the lovely McIntyre Bar with its views across the Edinburgh skyline.
This exclusive offer costs £38 per person. Call 0131 220 0441 to book.
Web Link:http://www.amber-restaurant.co.uk/pdfs/Amber in the Attic.pdf
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Are you searching for the ultimate romantic venue to hold your wedding? Then look no further, as Edinburgh Castle is hosting a wedding open weekend on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th February from 11:00 to 4:00 pm.
Couples are asked to register in advance on hs.weddings@scotland.gsi.gov.uk, indicating which day they would like to attend.
There will be discount booking offers and incentives on the day and our on-site event managers will be on hand to answer any questions.
When couples arrive they will register in the Gatehouse Suite and will be given a map to follow with the suggested route around the various venues. The Gatehouse Suite will be the first stop on the tour and its main room will be set for a ceremony. All the areas where ceremonies and receptions take place will be set up so people can see exactly what the different venues would look like on the day.
Nick Finnigan, Executive Manager of Edinburgh Castle said:
“With its fascinating history, unique setting and panoramic views across the city, Edinburgh Castle is the ultimate romantic and memorable setting for your special day.
“If you are looking for the perfect place to propose, our Proposal Package offers you exclusive access to the historic Argyle Tower, the upper part of the Portcullis Gate within Edinburgh Castle, with its beautiful window alcoves and views over the city and beyond.”
Web Link:www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk/
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