A new campaign is set to encourage people across Scotland to experience a day out across the country this autumn and winter. 

Launched by VisitScotland in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland (HES), the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA) and ScotRail, the initiative promotes discounted tickets to more than 50 participating properties. 

A total of 21 Historic Scotland properties, including Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle, are offering children's tickets for £1* until the end of March. In addition, around 30 members of ASVA including Trimontium Museum in Melrose, Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh and The Black Watch Castle and Museum in Perth are offering a range of reduced rate tickets.  

Using a combination of paid media and digital activity, the campaign aims to inspire Scots to get out and explore the country on a day out or short break. As well as sharing the stories of some of the country's visitor attractions during Scotland's Year of Stories 2022, it will also support the ongoing recovery of the sector during what is traditionally a quieter time of year. 

A dedicated Days Out in Scotland landing page on VisitScotland's website allows visitors to browse the offers, as well as showcase the vast range of paid and free visitor attractions, adrenaline-filled outdoor adventures and food and drink experiences on offer throughout the country during the winter.  

Vicki Miller, Director of Marketing and Digital at VisitScotland said: “Visitor attractions play an important role in both the tourism industry and local communities. Many help bring to life the stories of Scotland's rich history and distinct culture. 

“We know the cost of living is having an impact on spending habits so it is more important than ever that we work together to help support our tourism businesses recover from the challenges of the last two-and-a-half years.  

“This activity will help stimulate demand and new bookings for the industry during the quieter winter months, helping to rebuild our valuable visitor economy. 

“Tourism is a force for good. It creates jobs, sustains communities and contributes significantly to the economy.”  

Stephen Duncan, Director of Marketing and Engagement at Historic Environment Scotland said: “We're delighted to be taking part in VisitScotland's 'Great Days Out in Scotland' campaign, lowering drawbridges and opening gates to kids at all our winter sites for just one pound. With our 'Kids for a Quid' offer available at sites throughout the length and breadth of the country, it's a fantastic opportunity to engage young people and encourage them to learn, explore and experience more of Scotland's history all year round.” 

Gordon Morrison, CEO of ASVA said: “The last few years have been particularly challenging for the attractions sector in Scotland, with the impacts of Brexit, the pandemic and the energy crisis creating somewhat of a perfect storm for many of our members. However, visitor attractions have proven to be very resilient and adaptable and the quality of offering to visitors remains truly outstanding. Scottish attractions offer world class, exciting, emotive experiences and our sector plays a hugely significant role as the custodians of much of Scotland's rich culture, heritage and beautiful landscapes.  This campaign will further shine a light on the variety of amazing experiences we have to offer to our visitors and will provide further support to our sector during these relentlessly challenging times.” 

For more information on those participating in the offer, visit www.visitscotland.com/greatdaysout  

Tourism businesses can get involved in this campaign by promoting their offers through the national tourism organisation's website. For more information on how to get involved, visit: Great Days Out in Scotland Campaign - Opportunity Advice | VisitScotland.org 

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*(with one full price adult or concession required in each transaction and with a limit of six child tickets at £1 rate) 

APPENDIX 1 

Attractions joining the campaign include*: 

A Wee Pedal Cycle Tours – Based in Edinburgh, this small family-run business offers bicycle tours for all the family in and around the city. Located on the cycle path network, A Wee Pedal prides itself on sustainable and active tourism, offering small, safe, friendly tours from experienced, qualified and passionate guides offering a unique insight into the city and surrounding area on two wheels. As part of the Great Days Out offer, children go half price with every full adult price booked between November 1st 2022 and March 31st 2022.  

Doune Castle – Best known for its starring roles in Outlander and Monty Python and the Holy Grail. This 14th century courtyard castle, with striking 100 ft high gatehouse has one of the best preserved great halls in Scotland. It is one of several Historic Environment Scotland sites to take part in the Great Days Out campaign, offering child admission for just £1 with a paying adult. Families will enjoy exploring the Stirlingshire site's historic links, finding out how grand banquets were prepared and enjoying stunning views of the River Teith and Ben Lomond. 

Johnnie Walker Princes Street – One of Edinburgh's hottest new attractions. Johnnie Walker Princes Street offers a personalised whisky experience where you can explore the flavours of Scotland in the heart of Edinburgh. Enjoy world-class cocktails with sweeping views of Edinburgh Castle in the 1820 rooftop bar and sought after whiskies in the Explorers' Bothy bar. As part of the Great Days Out Campaign visitors can enjoy a 2-4-1 experience on the Journey of Flavour Tour. 

Glenkinchie Distillery & Visitor Centre - This Victorian distillery is the Lowland Homeand one of the four corner distilleries of Johnnie Walker.Sset within the abundant farmland and sweet-scented orchard gardens of East Lothian, this is where the Edinburgh Malt that is a vital part of Johnnie Walker whiskies is distilled. Visitors can enjoy a range of tours of the distillery as well as a visit to the bar for cocktails, drams, coffees and sharing platters. As part of Great Days Out, there is a two-for-one offer running on the journey of flavour tour on Sunday to Thursday during November.  

Trimontium Museum -  As Scotland's only museum dedicated to Roman and Iron Age Scotland, the Trimontium Museum in Melrose tells the story of one of the largest Roman fort sites north of Hadrian's Wall. On display, there are many of the treasures excavated from Trimontium over the last century, illustrating what life was like at the very edge of the Roman Empire. As part of Great Days Out children can visit for £1 when an adult ticket is purchased.  

The Black Watch Museum and Castle Museum - Housed within the historic Balhousie Castle in Perth, this award-winning attraction brings the history of Scotland's oldest Highland Regiment's to life, through artefacts, paintings, photographs, personal stories and interactive displays. As part of the Great Days Out campaign, it is offering child admission for just £1 with a paying adult. 

The Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse settlements  - One of the most important and inspirational archaeological sites in Scotland. The Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse settlement is located at Sumburgh Head, this fascinating site has a complex array of ancient settlements which cover more than 4,000 years of human history. Discover a range of archaeological treasures in one place, including late Neolithic houses, a Bronze Age village, an Iron Age broch and wheelhouses, a Norse longhouse, a medieval farmstead and a 16th century laird's house. It is one of several Historic Environment Scotland sites to take part in the Great Days Out campaign, offering child admission for just £1 with a paying adult. 

Cullen Sea School – Located in Moray, Cullen Sea School sees skilled and experienced instructors help visitors to learn a range of exciting water activities. From kayaking and stand -up paddle boarding to sailing, coastal rowing and beach cleans. Enjoy amazing activities set against the stunning backdrop of Cullen Bay and Cullen's historic harbour. As part of the Great Days Out campaign, save 25% per person off a SUP, kayaking or sailing session booked between October 1st 2022 and March 31st 2023.

Stirling Castle- One of Scotland's most historically important sites, it was a favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens who held grand celebrations from christenings to coronations. Today you can meet the costumed characters in the roles of bodyguards, court officials, maids of honour and servants who will welcome you into 16th century life. It is one of several Historic Environment Scotland sites to take part in the Great Days Out campaign, offering child admission for just £1 with a paying adult. 

Puffin Croft Petting Farm & Craft Shop - Located in John O'Groats, this is the most northerly petting farm and farm shop in the UK. All the family can enjoy a visit to meet the friendly animals, which include donkeys, goats, pigs, miniature ponies and sheep. There's also a rabbit enclosure – Rabbit Town – where you can get close to the rabbits that live there. The farm shop stocks a range of local produce and home baking. As part of the Great Days Out campaign, a free voucher for the petting farm is available for every £5 spend in the shop between November 1st and December 31st. 

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Notes to Editors  

• Follow us on twitter: @visitscotnews   
• VisitScotland is Scotland's national tourism organisation. Its purpose is deliver a strategic and coordinated approach to supporting the rebuilding of the visitor economy in a responsible way, to ensure tourism thrives. 
• The organisation's work will help deliver the Scottish Government's National Strategy for Economic Transformation, and Scotland Outlook 2030, the national tourism strategy, which details the vision of Scotland being the world leader in 21st century tourism.  
• This is delivered through three strategic pillars: Building a responsible destination brand, investigating in Scotland's tourism and events communities and facilitating collaboration and embracing change in support of a fairer, more responsible and inclusive visitor economy. 
• Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, spending by tourists in Scotland generated around £11 billion of economic activity in the wider Scottish supply chain and contributed around £6 billion to Scottish GDP (in basic prices).   
• VisitScotland is a leader in responsible tourism, making Scotland a better place for people to live and visit. We are proud signatories of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism and Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency.  
• For VisitScotland's press releases go to http://www.visitscotland.org/media_centre.aspx, tourism statistics and frequently asked questions go to http://www.visitscotland.org/    
• For holiday information on Scotland go to visitscotland.com   

Year of Stories 2022 (YS2022)  

• Scotland's Year of Stories 2022 will spotlight, celebrate and promote the wealth of stories inspired by, written, or created in Scotland.  
• Led by VisitScotland, the Year of Stories 2022 will sustain and build upon the momentum of preceding Themed Years, showcasing a nationwide programme of major events and community celebrations.   
• From icons of literature to local tales, Scotland's Year of Stories encourages locals and visitors to experience a diversity of voices, take part in events and explore the places, people and cultures connected to all forms of our stories, past and present.   
• Scotland's Year of Stories will encourage responsible engagement and inclusive participation from the people of Scotland and our visitors.  
• A marketing toolkit, featuring an industry guide, FAQs and the Year of Stories 2022 logo, is available on visitscotland.org to help businesses, organisations and the travel trade maximise the Themed Years opportunity.  
• Join the conversation using #YS2022 and #TalesOfScotland.   

Following an industry consultation, Themed Years will take place every second year to enable more time for planning and collaboration. The next Themed Year will take place in 2024.