Moray Tourism Destination Development.

Moray Tourism Development are delighted to invite you to their launch event, which will take place on Wednesday 24 February at the Robbie Dhu Centre, Glenfiddich Distillery, Dufftown from 10:30am – 4:00pm. (Registration and tea and coffee from 10:00am)

Your support is needed to help put Moray firmly on the international tourism map. As well as announcing initial plans for developing and promoting Moray as an internationally renowned, tourist destination, a major focus of the day will be hearing from you about what you would like the new organisation to focus on.

Success will rely on everyone coming together to work in partnership This is your chance to have your say and get involved in the future development of tourism in Moray.

The day will also provide a valuable opportunity to network with other related businesses. There will also be a literature swap, where you can bring along supplies of your brochures to exchange with others.

The event is free of charge and will include a buffet lunch featuring local produce. A programme for the day is available here.

Early registration is recommended as places are limited. ***There is now a waiting list (5/2)***

We look forward to seeing you on the day and exploring how together we can make a real difference.

If you would like any further information please e mail us at info@moray-tourism.info. If you’ve already registered, confirmations will be send out a week before the event takes place.

or call us on 01309 678100 or 01343 551117.

Moray Tourism Executive
Horizon Scotland
The Enterprise Park
Forres IV36 2AB
www.moray-tourism.info

t: Marion Walker – 01343 551117 or Rene Looper 01309 678100

e: info@moray-tourism.info

Press release

After reports last week from VisitScotland’s Growth Fund that there has only been one successful application from Moray for funding for collaborative marketing activity, as there is still funding available, Moray Tourism Development is hosting an ‘open day’ to encourage projects from the Moray area.

The fund is open to national, regional and local groups of tourism businesses, and is intended to help them reach new markets and increase visitor numbers.

To help with the application process and to see if projects are eligible for funding, Moray Tourism Executives Marion Walker and Rene Looper have organised an “open day” at Horizon Scotland, Forres Enterprise Park on Thursday 4th of February 2010 where there will be advice available from a VisitScotland Growth Fund advisor to help interested businesses, organisations and communities with their application. More….

To make sure we are able to help you please let us know what time you like to book your slot. You can see us and walk in our office at the Enterprise Park in Forres, or phone us on 01309 678100 to see how we can help you. To book your slot please phone the number above or use the contact form below.

Look forward to hear from you!

Marion and Rene

Contributed by Rod Lovie via “add your story“

The Beginner’s Guide To A Fairer World is a fun 3 hour workshop all about the power you have to make a difference on global issues like climate change, fair trade and international poverty. It’s your chance to learn what’s going on in Scotland, talk about where you fit in, discover how to influence decision-makers and test out the skills you need to bring people with you.

Who is the event for?
The event is for people who want to change the world but don’t know where to start. Maybe there is a local or global issue like poverty, fair trade, natural habitats, local food or waste reduction that interests you or maybe you just want to find out more. Come along if you want to learn and share more about how to change things locally and globally for a fairer world and inspire other people to join you.

When and where?
Elgin Red Shoes Theatre, Monday 15 Feb 2-5pm
Inverness Eden Court, Thursday 18 Feb 2-5pm

How much does it cost?
Free

How do I find out more?
Visit the web site or talk to us.

What do I do next?
To book your free place, simply telephone 0131 243 2732 or email iain@wdmscotland.org.uk stating your name and the place of the workshop you want to attend.

—
Iain Thom
GlobalConnect project officer
World Development Movement
Tel: 0131 243 2730
www.wdmscotland.org.uk

Entries are welcomed for the 20th annual Grampian Food Forum Innovation Awards which rewards local food and drink companies for their new product innovations.

Companies who intend to enter should inform the organisers of the products they will be entering by completing this short form by Monday 25 January. Companies should submit their completed entry forms by Tuesday 16th February 2010.

More info….

If you need help with submitting your form let us know. We can connect you with previous award winners who can help you by sharing tips and techniques on how to win awards.

The categories are:

• Most Innovative Retail Product
• Most Innovative Foodservice Product
• Commitment to Healthy Eating
• International Business Development
• Taste of Grampian Restaurant of the Year

Marion and myself went to the above event on Wednesday the 25th of November in Inverness. Interesting day with some good speakers. Interesting talks from Graeme Ambrose of the Loch Ness DMO, Marina Huggett of the Dove visitor feedback project, Nicole Wallace of the LEADER project and Ian Mitchell on the Scotland Rural Development Programme.

You can see the presentations on the Highland Council Web site or can be downloaded here. (pdf file)

Let us know if you’re community or organisation is looking for funding for your tourism event as the LEADER funding is something we certainly going to pursue for Moray Tourism.

Contributed by Marguerite (Maggie) Cruickshank via “add your story“

ABANDONED BY A KING, SAVED BY A POET, CELEBRATED BY US, PROTECTED BY YOU?

Your support is urgently required to help protect the Scots language for future generations. Please support our email campaign by signing our most recent / more detailed e-Petition here

I would also be very grateful if you could forward this email to all contacts in your address book, urging them to do likewise.

My sincere thanks, on behalf of Scotland’s estimated 1.5 million Scots speakers.

Kind regards / Aa the best!

Marguerite (Maggie) Cruickshank

Contributed by: Richard Sanders via “add your story“

Richard and Dawn moved to Drummuir near Keith in 2007 from South London. Looking for a complete change of lifestyle and a chance to live in rural Scotland. Fate was smiling on them when the Mill of Towie became available to rent on the Drummuir Estate.
Since moving to this idyllic location, they have opened a sustainable cafe and shop. Seling wholesome hearty food and homebakes, locally produced arts and crafts and also a farm shop offering locally sourced produce when available. Thirteen Moons has become a hub for the local community, its welcoming atmosphere and attentive genuine service all add to the Thirteen Moon charm. Richard and Dawn were both intensive care nurses down south, Richard still works at Dr Grays hospital in Elgin, while Dawn concentrates on getting the business up and running, and also caring for their ever growing collection of animals, all of which can be seen when visiting.

Thirteen Moons web site

Thirteen Moons Twitter account

We’ve now created a page where you can contribute your own story or news item to this blog. If you have anything you like to promote, say or need help with let us know. You can do so here.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and successful 2010!

Al though are office is closed over the Festive Period, we will be keeping an eye on the emails and blog so don’t hesitate to contact us.

Merry Christmas! Marion and Rene

A few weeks ago we’ve sent out a Speyside and Moray Coast survey and thanks to all who took the time to give us very valuable information. We’ve uploaded the results to the downloads section of this blog where you can view and download it.

Some highlights:

• Out of 150 accommodation providers 41 (27%) took part in the survey
• Only 2(!) hotels out of 34 took part in the survey (will be addressed)
• 25 out of 72 B&B’s took part in the survey
• 51% reported a better year then last year whilst 22% experienced the same level of business then last year
• Whisky, Walking, Castles and Coast came out as main attraction, followed closely by Wildlife and Golf
• Moray and Speyside most used in promoting the area
• 26 businesses (65%) have no or a paper database

On the question of do you need help with achieving your goals we got some interesting replies:

• need as much up-to date, preferably, electronic info on Moray as possible. – Greater Speyside, Spotlight on Moray
• Help with marketing would be appreciated.
• A list of events in Moray would be a great help
• Marketing of Business (mentioned a few times)
• How to be even more present on the web.
• more work advertising Moray independantly from either Grampian or Highlands, Moray is a holiday destination in its own right.
• finding contractor to do work, no one gets back with quotes!!

Cullen has been in the news a lot over the last few weeks mainly in connection with the flood damage of the Cullen bridge and on the closure of the Cullen – Fochabers road which we reported earlier is open again. Tonight we noticed Cullen on the STV news where it was mentioned that the negativity created a positive as the community pulled together and organised a Christmas shopping and reindeer event last night.

It was a great success and came about when local people started to pull together and took action. Well done Cullen!