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#AWindowOnScotland: Scots create a visual map in lockdown

Written by Fiona

May 08 2020

Hundreds of views from attractions and homes across Scotland have been shared online as part of VisitScotland’s social media campaign #AWindowOnScotland.

From images of Jimmy Perez’s “home” in Shetland (from TV drama Shetland) to the lush landscape surrounding Morton Castle in Dumfries and Galloway, Scots have been sharing their unique view of the world while they stay at home.

Since the national tourism organisation launched the campaign three weeks ago, the hashtag has been used around 2500 times across Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, creating a visual map of the country’s villages, towns and cities.

Popular posts include images of the coastline at Oban, a video of lawn mowing at lighthouse cottages on Orkney, the sunset from Gourock and a video from a lodge on the banks of Loch Ness.

Abbey Cottage Tearoom in Dumfries shows off the view of Sweetheart Abbey.
Window in Levenwick, Shetland. Taken by Steve Mathieson
Loch Carron. Credit: Cool Cottages Scotland

Scottish residents are asked to take a picture of a view from their property and post it on social media using the hashtag #AWindowOnScotland and their location (i.e #Stirling, #Aberdeen, #Glasgow etc).

The campaign has a clear stay-at-home message but allows everyone to show their part of Scotland to the world.

It was launched as day visits and staycationing are set to be the focus of Scottish tourism when restrictions are eased, as set out in the National Action Plan published by the Scottish Tourism Emergency Response Group, chaired by VisitScotland.

See a short video:

Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said: “We’re thrilled at the reaction to #AWindowOnScotland from residents and heartened that businesses are engaging with the campaign and using the opportunity to share their windows on Scotland with the world during this challenging time.

“The staycation market will be a key driver in the country’s economic recovery and the many wonderful views people have been sharing while they stay at home will surely be an incentive for many to travel when the time comes.

“The campaign is far from over and we’d encourage residents and businesses to continue posting their views, however they may look, as it is all Scotland, to help lift the spirits of those at home and abroad.”The Big Houses in the Scottish Borders Group, which represents eleven of the finest historic houses, is among the organisations that are supporting the campaign.

For further information of VisitScotland’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, see: https://www.visitscotland.org/supporting-your-business/advice/coronavirus

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