A MODERN twist on the traditional map is aiming to boost tourism in Scotland, as the Outer Hebridges embraces its "Instagrammable" nature.
CalMac Ferries and Outer Hebridges Tourism have created a new "Insta-friendly" map symbol to sit alongside the traditional place of worship and museum signs on their maps, to help those looking for the perfect picture opportunities.
The sites range from otter and seal spotting sites to white sandy beaches and Eriskay’s FIFA recognised football pitch.
The two maps will be rolled out in coming weeks and made available on CalMac ferries to the islands.
One map will cover North Uist, Grimsay and Benbecula while the other covers South Uist and Eriskay.
CalMac Ferries head of marketing Andrew Macnair said: “The Outer Hebrides are a photographer’s paradise and an influencer’s dream, and this viral popularity continues to increase as globetrotters share pictures on social media of their adventures on the islands.
“Uist however is a hidden gem, with powder-white beaches, untouched natural landscapes and vibrant crofting communities steeped in traditional Gaelic culture, often overlooked as tourists flock to the likes of Harris and Lewis.
“We know that Instagram matters to today’s tourist and we also know that travellers love a traditional map.”
Hebrides Tourism chief executive Robert McKinnon added: “The popularity of the Outer Hebrides has grown considerably in recent years, with 218,000 people now visiting annually from throughout the world.
“Social media has put the islands on the map, with so many Insta-friendly locations on our doorstep. We look forward to welcoming visitors to Uist and seeing Instagram feeds fill with snapshots of their adventures on the islands.”
Visitors to the islands are being encouraged to share their snaps of the beauty spots and tag #seeuistsoon #calmacferries and #visitouterhebrides in their posts.
The maps were designed and made by Hampshire-based SplashMaps using Ordnance Survey’s familiar Landranger style of map.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here