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Green Scotland beckons visitors

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2013 will be the Year of Natural Scotland

SCOTLAND’S natural environment has remained the top reason for visitors from the region to visit. This year, they can rejoice as Scotland begins its year-long celebration of its outstanding natural beauty, historical outdoor heritage, varied wildlife and breath-taking landscape.

The Year of Natural Scotland 2013 presents visitors from the Gulf with the ideal opportunity to immerse themselves in Scotland as they experience the rugged scenery of the Highlands, the splendour of the national parks, the freshness of the natural larders, and the welcome from people who passionately care about their home terrain.

The aim of Year of Natural Scotland 2013 is to promote Scotland’s natural beauty and biodiversity, and promote ways for visitors to enjoy its beautiful landscapes, wildlife and heritage responsibly. It is also a chance to highlight Scotland’s reputation as an easily accessible place for active pursuits and the perfect stage for outdoor events and festivals.

Throughout the year Scotland will present its natural assets through key themes and products: natural landscapes, flora and fauna, historic landscapes, natural larder, green tourism, nature in cities, art in nature and natural playground.

Some of the upcoming highlights include: the Open 2013 (July 18-21) Golf fans should register now for tickets to the 2013 Open Championship, last played in Scotland in 2002; the Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight (September 7-22) -where guests can uncover the very best of Scotland’s larder in venues across the country and Enchanted Forest (October 10– November 2) – Using the beautiful Faskally Wood in Perthshire (two hours from Edinburgh) as a backdrop, a spectacular light show brings magic to the forest.

Scotland’s nature-based activities are worth nearly 40 per cent of all tourism spend in Scotland and wildlife tourism worth £127 million ($194 million) per year to the Scottish economy.

The year is also a superb opportunity to showcase some of Scotland’s natural attractions like the Scottish Highlands – named as one of the world’s top 20 destinations to visit by National Geographic Travelle; Scotland’s National Parks – The Cairngorms National Park and Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park; Perthshire – ‘The Big Tree’ Country; the Galloway Forest and the National Trust for Scotland which owns 78,000 hectares of countryside, including National Nature Reserves, 27 conservation sites, 400 Islands and over 400 miles of footpath.

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