AS plans move forward with an ambitious bid to create a southwest version of the world-famous North Coast 500, VisitScotland has just unveiled a new map of tourist routes in Dumfries and Galloway to celebrate National Driving Day next week.
The tourism body has highlighted key driving routes taking in the area’s miles of dramatic coastlines, stunning scenery and breathtaking natural beauty along a 700-mile stretch across the region.
The map pinpoints the southwest coastal route 300, the Scottish Castle Route through 250 miles of countryside, and the 162 mile-long Burns Country Run that celebrates the life of Robert Burns.
VisitScotland Regional Director Doug Wilson said: “Dumfries and Galloway is an ideal destination for visitors with a passion for touring. Its beautiful scenery and open roads make it a great location for a road trip, not to mention the many historic attractions and places of interest that line the routes.
“The success of routes such as the NC500 and the popularity of Scotland as a must-visit destination for touring car enthusiasts has created a real opportunity and VisitScotland is supporting businesses in Dumfries and Galloway to capitalise on these and bring visitors to the region.”
Ian McAndrew, chair of volunteer group Visit South West Scotland, said: “Visit South West Scotland is the only industry membership organisation in the region and we recently published our 2017/18 leaflet and map which for the first time incorporates these three fabulous driving routes. The three routes take in the entire region and showcase what makes the South West of Scotland so unique. We hope that this new map will entice drivers out on National Driving Day and beyond to discover some of the most picturesque and remote roads in the country, whether it is in a car, motorbike, motorhome or bike, there really is something for everyone.”
McAndrew has joined local MSP Emma Harper’s campaign to showcase everything Dumfries and Galloway has to offer, including an attraction similar to the NC500, and she praised his hard work.
She said: “Ian and his volunteers have been working on a plan to highlight the area for 2017 and he came up with the Burns, castle and coastal routes before I was even involved.”
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