Sports Tourism in Scotland

The driving force behind Scotland’s country sports industry has been given an added boost to help focus and target tourists wanting to pursue outdoor sports. Bell Ingram, expert land and estate agents, teamed up with the Scottish Country Sports Tourism Group (SCSTG) and Angus Council to host a “Working with the Country Sports Sector-Awareness and Collaboration” evening designed to help businesses make the most of tourism generated within the sector. Throughout the evening keynote speakers highlighted the importance of attracting sports-hungry tourists to Scotland and why collaborations between country sports operators and other tourism businesses can ensure the sector continues to thrive. Victoria Brooks, project co-ordinator for the SCSTG, said: “We hope the evening helped to inspire and encourage more collaboration and communication within businesses all across the region. “This year, Angus and Dundee are gearing up to welcome thousands of global visitors and hundreds of participants to the area when the Commonwealth Games shooting event comes to Barry Buddon in July. “So it’s a fantastic opportunity to show off the area and encourage country sports enthusiasts to return year after year.”

Bell Ingram’s Patrick Laughlin, who has worked for the company since 2005, was also on hand to discuss his experiences from 20 years of working within tourism and leisure-related projects including strong relationships with sporting estates and tourism provider, VisitScotland. Patrick said: “The aim of the evening was to raise awareness within the sector of country sports and give our guests the tools needed to seize new opportunities within their businesses. “It’s extremely important for people within this industry to collaborate and understand how working together can benefit everyone to attract as much tourism to Scotland as possible. “I’m certain that everyone took a lot away from what was an extremely successful evening. Hopefully this is the first step to maximising the tourism opportunities for all lovers of country sport wanting to take advantage of what fantastic services Scotland has to offer.”

The evening also welcomed a case study from Billy Hamilton of Buccleuch Arms Hotel in the Scottish Border who discussed tips on how to run a successful business in the sector followed by Nicki Barnett of Highland Lodges who highlighted the importance of customer care. Colin Sheddon from the British Association for Shooting and Conservation was also on hand to discuss the safety aspects of the Country Sport Sector and Hughie Campbell Adamson of Stracathro Estate, Angus, discussed the sector from a sporting estate perspective.