Perthshire is enjoying a record year in terms of visitor numbers after hosting a range of high profile events and attractions .
Popular events such as the stunning Weeping Window display, hosted by The Black Watch Castle and Museum, drew more than 113,000 people, while the Enchanted Forest again proved a success with a record 70,000 visitors taking in its sound and light show this autumn.
And the return of the Rewind festival, which was held in the grounds of Scone Palace, also boosted overall tourist figures for the area.
Jim Clarkson, VisitScotland’s regional director, said: “Evidence suggests that Perthshire has enjoyed another busy tourism season with attractions and events across the region reporting record number of visitors this year.
“Innovative new attractions such as the Weeping Window in Perth drew over 113,000 people while the Enchanted Forest also proved a big hit with visitors once again as a record 70,000 people took in its show.
“Other events, such as Rewind at Scone Palace, also played a starring role in this year’s tourism success, attracting more than 30,000 music fans to the region for a weekend of the very best in live acts from the ‘80s.”
Mr Clarkson continued: “Events and attractions like the Enchanted Forest and Rewind don’t just provide fantastic entertainment for visitors — they also represent a multi-million pound benefit to Perthshire, year round, and keep the eyes of the world on the region as the perfect stage.”
Meanwhile, Mr Clarkson highlighted that a number of Perthshire businesses joined VisitScotland’s quality assurance scheme (QA) in 2016, including Brae House in Aberfeldy, Cuil-an-Duin near Pitlochry, the Dupplin Estate in Perth and Jessie Mac’s in Birnam.
He added: “It is fantastic to see so many establishments in the area obtaining their ‘stars’. VisitScotland’s QA scheme boasts high awareness and trust among visitors, playing a key role in holiday decision-making both before and during their stay.
“This year has also seen a shift in the nature of information provision across Perthshire. While VisitScotland iCentre’s remain at the heart of information delivery, we have been working to harness the spirit of a nation to share our inspirational stories and experiences.
“Perthshire has really embraced the ‘iKnow Scotland’ programme, which is fundamentally about reaching more people with more personal information so they stay longer, spend more, growing the visitor economy and creating jobs.
“With that in mind, a total of 50 businesses across the region have signed up to become a VisitScotland Information Partner (VIP), ranging from the Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre in Comrie to Northland Bed and Breakfast in Pitlochry.
“The VIP programme ties in with VisitScotland’s global Spirit of Scotland campaign, harnessing the local knowledge, warmth and enthusiasm of staff at the attractions, helping visitors make the most of their trip to Scotland.”
