SCOTO

30/08/2024

Why be a SCOTO Enterprise?

"Wild Skies Shetland is a SCOTO Enterprise because we love hearing about all the different things other community tourism organisations are doing – and we learn so much about boring-but-necessary practical stuff, such as QR codes and insurance!" Catriona Waddington, Wild Skies Shetland.

Our network is growing, and we'd like to introduce another of our SCOTO Enterprises. Today, we spotlight Wild Skies Shetland, our most northerly SCOTO connection. Based on Unst, Wild Skies is a charity that aims to showcase the marvels and enormity of the skies, day and night, summer and winter, through their interactive Sky Trail and events. The award-winning organisation exemplifies the innovative spirit of community organisations, finding creative ways to showcase their locality to visitors that also connect them to the local community and its culture.

You can read more about Wild Skies Shetland in Robin McKelvie's Be Local Blog: https://www.belocal.scot/stories/wild-skies/

Our Network thrives on the shared knowledge and experiences that drive the growth of community-led tourism. Becoming a SCOTO Enterprise will connect you with like-minded individuals eager to support and collaborate with you.

If you want to find out how the SCOTO Network can help your community, please get in touch: https://www.scoto.co.uk/ [email protected]



Carron Tobin Catriona Waddington UnstFest Unst Community Council Unst Partnership Ltd Unst Partnership Charity Shop Shetland Heritage Association Shetland Amenity Trust VisitScotland Wild Skies Shetland Fiona Drane Norma Lyall Highlands and Islands Enterprise Archaeology Shetland Development Trusts Association Scotland Scottish Tourism Alliance Community Enterprise

26/08/2024

23/08/2024

SCOTO Exec Director sent this bonnie postcard image today -
"Blue skies and sunshine with some showers in between :-) great to catch up with folks in Plockton to review Press Pause, refine the report, and plot out the next steps 👍🏻"

Do you feel tourism just happens to your community?

Are you feeling overwhelmed by tourism?

Or maybe you're thinking tourism could help your community be a better place to live?

If so, read more about Press Pause here: https://www.scoto.co.uk/resources/press-pause/

23/08/2024

SCOTO Executive Director Carron Tobin will speak at the ASSC Scotland Regional Gathering in early September. Learn about the Scottish Community Tourism Network and their movement to make tourism work for everyone.

🙌 Our Next Fabulous Speaker: Carron Tobin, Executive Director at SCOTO 🙌

We are excited to welcome Carron Tobin as a speaker at our upcoming event! 🎤

Get Your Tickets Now: https://bit.ly/4cwg6d5

With a career dedicated to promoting community-led tourism, Carron has made significant contributions to Scotland’s tourism landscape.

After founding Rural Dimensions in 2009 and serving as a director at Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Carron played a key role in developing SCOTO—Scotland’s Community Tourism Network.

She also spearheaded the Press Pause initiative and now leads the Community-Led Tourism Mission for the Tourism and Hospitality Industry Leadership Group.

Carron’s deep experience and passion for sustainable, community-driven tourism makes her a must-hear speaker!



SCOTO SuperControl Online Booking System Creatomatic Wild About Argyll

09/08/2024

"Girvan Tourist Information and Craft Shop is thrilled to be a SCOTO Enterprise. We firmly believe in the power of community tourism and are eager to network, access valuable resources, and support its vibrant growth in Scotland” Susanne Arbuckle.

Our network is growing, so we’re excited to introduce our SCOTO Enterprises. This week, we’re shining a spotlight on Girvan Tourist Information, where local volunteers offer a warm welcome, local insights, arts and crafts, and free Wi-Fi. Plus, they’re dog-friendly! 🐾 🐕 ❤️

Why be a SCOTO Enterprise? Our Network thrives on the shared knowledge and experiences that drive the growth of community-led tourism. Girvan Tourist Information is just one of the many community-led SCOTO Tourist Information Centres/Hubs supporting other communities in developing their own VICs or simply wanting to enhance visitor information provision in their local area. Susanne Arbuckle(Adventures Around Scotland )has also inspired others with her presentation on reshaping Girvan's media narrative with the help of Girvan's four-legged furry companions!

If you want to learn how the SCOTO Network can help your community, please visit https://www.scoto.co.uk/ or contact: [email protected]



Girvan Tourist Information & Craft Shop South of Scotland Destination Alliance Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere Ayrshire Coastal Path Destination South Ayrshire South of Scotland Enterprise South Ayrshire Council Scottish Tourism Alliance Scottish National Rural Network RuralDimensions Fiona Drane David McCubbin Norma Lyall

09/08/2024

Very useful Webinar for SCOTO Networkers in the North!

💻 Business Gateway: Intro to AI for Small Businesses Webinar

This practical webinar will examine how AI can help make your marketing more efficient.

This webinar will cover:
⭐ What is Artificial Intelligence
⭐ Current AI tools and systems to use right now (including ChatGPT and MidJourney)
⭐ Automating digital content for blogs and social media
⭐ Using AI for business strategy and customer profiling
⭐ The pros and cons of AI for small businesses

📅 12 Aug 10am – 12pm
📍 Online Webinar
🔗 Sign Up: https://tinyurl.com/bddwbyyz

23/07/2024

More good news! 🥂🎉

Congratulations to Friends - All Roads Lead to Whithorn, The Trimontium Trust & Museum, Spring Fling and Wigtown Book Festival for being shortlisted in the South Of Scotland Thistle Awards 2024!

A special 🙌 to Lizzie Koronka from New Town Hall Bunk House in Whithorn and Thania Meneses Flores from Trimontium Museum in Melrose for being nominated for the Rising Star Award.

Good luck to all! 🤞🍀


South of Scotland Destination Alliance

17/07/2024

🎉 Congratulations to SCOTO Enterprises, Loch Ness Hub & Travel , and Wick Development Trust for being shortlisted for the Celebrating Thriving Communities Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards 2024!

A special mention to Loch Ness Hub and Travel for also being shortlisted for the Innovation in Tourism award.

AND, we are thrilled to announce that our own SCOTO Chair, Russell Fraser, has been nominated and made it to the final three for the prestigious Tourism Individual of the Year award!

Well done to everyone involved and your nomination will help to highlight the work of community tourism in the Highlands and Islands.

Best of luck to all the nominees!



Read more about the awards and nominees here:

Shortlist Announced!The shortlist for the Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards 2024 can be seen below. The esteemed Awards identify, highlight and reward excellence throughout the hospitality industry within the Highlands and Islands.  For 2024 there are 16 Awards up for grabs covering the various...

09/07/2024

SCOTO Director Norma Lyall visited the The Village Cafe, Ceres in Cuper, which has been running since 2018.

Well worth a trip this summer!

25/06/2024

This Thursday, our Conversations - Community Visitor Info Points event will feature Sarah MacLean manager of BBùth Bharraigh, a community retail and visitor hub in the heart of Castlebay, Isle of Barra.

Sarah will discuss how they provide a range of services for both locals and visitors and have a flexible approach to opening hours when ferries are late!

Book your place: https://www.scoto.co.uk/networking-events/



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SCOTO hold a host of community led tourism networking sessions and events for organisations across Scotland. Find out the latest info here.

23/06/2024

SCOTO is back at the Royal Highland Show today. You’ll find us in the Community Showcase Marquee with Scottish Rural Action, Inspiralba,Scottish Rural and Islands Transport Community, Scottish Islands Federation, Community Enterprise, GrowBiz Scotland and many more!

21/06/2024

Community tourism volunteers are a vital part of the Scottish tourism sector. They are passionate about their local area and probably know where the best fish' n' chip shops are too!😉

21/06/2024

SCOTO has been invited to participate in the Community Showcase at the Royal Highland Show this weekend. 🐄 🚜 🌻

We’re thrilled to join this group of exceptional organisations and look forward to sharing inspiring examples from our SCOTO Network that showcase how community tourism has supported rural communities.

Please come along and say hello and find out more about SCOTO’s ambition to recalibrate tourism in Scotland to deliver for Scotland’s communities and environment first.



Scottish National Rural Network Scottish Tourism Alliance Development Trusts Association Scotland Scottish Rural and Islands Transport Community Scottish Rural Action Community Enterprise Network Inc. Inspiralba Community Land Scotland Carron Tobin Angus Tourism Cooperative Royal Highland Show

14/06/2024

SCOTO is in the far north today! Working with communities on Press Pause initiatives including a High School.

29/05/2024

SCOTO's Carron Tobin will be in Bristol at the Simpleview EMEA Summit later in the year, talking about the community perspective of film tourism—the good, the bad, and the ugly!

Find out more below:
https://www.eventsforce.net/sv/13/home


Simpleview RuralDimensions Scottish Tourism Alliance Development Trusts Association Scotland

can be a great way to boost a destination's profile, but it's not without its challenges. Carron Tobin from SCOTO will join us at Simpleview EMEA Summit to delve into the community perspective of film tourism — the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Find out more and register ⬇️
https://ow.ly/U3mI50RUhJy

29/05/2024

MSPs have backed legislation giving councils a new power to introduce a visitor levy that would raise funding for local visitor facilities and services.

Details ➡️https://tinyurl.com/4mek4ryp

VisitScotland Scottish Rural Action Scottish Islands Federation SCOTO Scottish Agritourism Federation of Small Businesses - FSB Scottish Tourism Alliance

21/05/2024

“The Scottish people are kind to let visitors enjoy it, but it’s too easy for tourists to overlook the communities that keep it going. We encourage our customers to spend in those communities and are delighted to show our own support too.” Andrew Clark, Founder, Wild Camper Trucks, explaining why he’s supporting SCOTO.

We extend a warm welcome to businesses and organisations in the sector who align with our principles and wish to support and contribute to the Network's activities through our SCOTO Supporters. There are two fee options to become a SCOTO Supporter, and you can make an even bigger impact by participating in our ‘pay it forward’ programme, where you can, for example, pay for an organisation to receive a professional blog or photography for marketing purposes. If you wish you can also choose to nominate a community tourism enterprise or a geographic community to benefit from your generous contribution. Join today and help communities take ownership of how tourism happens in their area.

So join Andrew and support community-led tourism in Scotland 😊🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿: https://www.scoto.co.uk/join/

HIE South of Scotland Enterprise Social Enterprise Academy

Wild Camper Trucks Scottish Tourism Alliance Social Enterprise Scotland Development Trusts Association Scotland Scottish National Rural Network RuralDimensions Fiona Drane

17/05/2024

More and more community organisations are finding innovative ways to achieve financial sustainability through tourism.

A huge congratulations to Eat, Sleep, Ride CIC for opening their new on-site accommodation!

By staying here visitors are supporting the many activities that Eat, Sleep, Ride, CIC offer to the local community and beyond, in particular people facing self-esteem issues from life's hurdles like education and employment challenges.

AND Eat, Sleep, Ride, CIC have increased the tourism offer in this beautiful part of Scotland.



Scottish Tourism Alliance RuralDimensions South of Scotland Enterprise South of Scotland Destination Alliance Fiona Drane

🌼 Celebrate 'Cultures in Bloom' with Eat Sleep Ride! 🌼

Exciting news! Starting June 22nd, we're unveiling our new experiences at Eat Sleep Ride as part of the Cultures in Bloom event! 🏡✨

Join us for a unique countryside escape:

Stay in our charming Tiny House for just £80 per night, nestled in the Scottish Borders. 🛏️🍃
Enjoy fresh eggs each morning from our community chickens. 🥚
Unwind in our Sweat Lodge, all part of your stay. 🔥
Explore on two wheels with E-Bike/mountain hire available at £20/day. 🚴
Saddle up for a guided horse riding experience at £55/person. 🐴

Why Eat Sleep Ride?

Solar-powered, eco-friendly living. 🌞
Breathtaking views and private BBQ area. 🍖
Directly support our sustainable community projects. 🌱
Book your adventure from June 22nd and be part of something special. Nature lovers, couples, and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat are welcome!

📞 For more info and to book your stay, contact us today!

17/05/2024

👋 to The Langholm Initiative who have just joined up as a SCOTO Enterprise!
As an award-winning community development trust for Eskdale, they are working to make their area a better place to live, work and visit. You can find out more about them below: https://www.langholminitiative.org.uk/
Community and social enterprises, associations, trusts and charities will be eligible to join as a SCOTO Enterprise for a small yearly fee of £36 (equal to a couple of coffees a month at £3 x 12!). If you're not sure if your organisation is eligible, please ask. Email [email protected]
https://www.scoto.co.uk/join/scoto-enterprise/

The Langholm Initiative is an award-winning community development trust based in Langholm, Scotland. We work together to make Langholm and Eskdale a great place to live, work and visit.

17/05/2024

Wonderful TRAIL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER opportunity!👇

🌟 LAST CHANCE TO APPLY 🌟

Closing date for our TRAIL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER closes at midnight on Sunday 19th May - so if you want to work in a beautiful environment and with friendly communities towards improving coastal access in the far north of Scotland... then get applying!

Send in your CV to [email protected] today.

17/05/2024

“The Scottish people are kind to let visitors enjoy it, but it’s too easy for tourists to overlook the communities that keep it going. We encourage our customers to spend in those communities and are delighted to show our own support too.” Andrew Clark, Founder of Wild Camper Trucks, explains why he’s supporting SCOTO.

We extend a warm welcome to businesses and organisations in the sector who align with our principles and wish to support and contribute to the Network's activities through our SCOTO Supporters. There are two fee options to become a SCOTO Supporter, and you can make an even bigger impact by participating in our ‘pay it forward’ programme, where you can, for example, pay for an organisation to receive a professional blog or photography for marketing purposes. If you wish you can also choose to nominate a community tourism enterprise or a geographic community to benefit from your generous contribution. Join today and help communities take ownership of how tourism happens in their area.

So join Andrew and support community-led tourism in Scotland: https://www.scoto.co.uk/join/





PHOTO: Andrew Clark, Founder, Wild Camper Trucks

01/05/2024

Last night SCOTO had a busy evening with a Phase 2 Press Pause Workshop & Report.
We♥️ 'The Otter's Couch' sign in the Brora Development Trust gift shop & visitor information point. It says everything about the SCOTO Network.

You can find out about Press Pause here: https://scoto.co.uk/resources/press-pause/

26/04/2024

SUNDAY is the DEADLINE for the Scottish Thistle Awards and if you need some encouragement to apply, then here are the thoughts of Volunteer & Visitor Experience Manager Frances Mann of The Trimontium Trust & Museum who were regional winners last year:

“What an honour to win this award. We were delighted to have been shortlisted for the South of Scotland Thistle Awards and are privileged to be a winner. It is our amazing volunteers and staff who have made this possible. We look forward to continuing to share the story of the Roman Iron Age with our visitors, whether local, national or international.”

The organisation has said that adding the “Winner” logo to their communications has made an impact and also supported an increase in footfall. Internally, it has brought a great sense of pride, joy, and responsibility to staff, trustees, and volunteers alike.

Go on - Shout about your attraction and services!

https://visitscotland.eventsair.com/scottishthistleawards?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3XWFd_wf404klF8dyWXV-LDIoO4-xo9ZUkehvAiJhWAsOiMFnSJBoY0ms_aem_AcVlei2bVs4bbZsMGLtPYHoi1GShOqCTXpAO2wyOq17RhLW5Q3Teng8rcbwjUWdEWSU7J8WK79NQYG3_e8wgd126

Every year, businesses and individuals are honoured with a Scottish Thistle Award; the highest accolade in the Scottish hospitality, tourism and events sector. 

25/04/2024

Busy day with SCOTO's Executive Director presenting at the City Destinations Alliance Conference in Bologna.

Carron was delighted with the response, with many attendees wanting to know more!



Scottish Tourism Alliance VisitScotland RuralDimensions Fiona Drane Marketing ScotGov Rural Development Trusts Association Scotland

[REALITY CHECK! ✔️] Session Recaps from the Conference in Bologna!

Attendees had the option to choose between 2 parallel sessions, each offering deep dives into critical aspects of urban tourism.

1️⃣ Community Wellbeing & Tourism:
In a dynamic session by Carron Tobin of SCOTO and Pia Lange Christensen of VisitAarhus, the discussion focused on the evolving role of DMOs in enhancing community tourism. Aileen Crawford from Glasgow Convention Bureau steered the conversation, highlighting innovative strategies like volunteer corps in Aarhus and community tourism recalibration in Scotland. The big question: Are DMOs truly tuned into community needs?

2️⃣ Dispersal Strategy Effectiveness:
Olivier Ponti from ForwardKeys and Miguel Angel Perez of Visit València -Spain delved into the efficacy of dispersal strategies in easing visitor pressure. Joined by insights from Carlotta Ferrari of Destination Florence CVB and Rikke Holm Petersen of VisitCopenhagen, the session scrutinised whether spreading visitors across different areas and seasons really works as intended.

🌐 Both sessions ignited discussions on the transformative power and challenges within urban tourism today.


Group NAO Bologna Convention Bureau Bologna Welcome

25/04/2024

🎉 WOW SCOTO is two years old today!🎉

The Scottish Community Tourism is a network of community tourism enterprises located throughout Scotland with an ambition is to recalibrate tourism in Scotland to deliver for Scotland’s communities and environment first.

Many people ask what community tourism is – and often because they like the sound of it and want to know more!

For SCOTO, which is working at a grassroots level across Scotland, community tourism is where a community enterprise or a geographic community is directly involved in shaping and managing the tourism offers in their area and ensuring tourism derives tangible benefits locally.

Many communities feel that tourism happens to them rather than with them, but there is a growing sense that tourism can be a force for good.

Community Tourism enables communities to become even better places to live, work and visit. 👇👇 Find out more below 👇👇

https://youtu.be/PeKtsOLSN88?si=ZMbWwMHzTX5jKoG0

Development Trusts Association Scotland Scottish Tourism Alliance VisitScotland Scottish Enterprise Scottish Community Development Centre (SCDC) ScotGov Rural Scottish National Rural Network RuralDimensions Scottish Land Commission Social Enterprise Academy Social Enterprise Scotland Heritage Trust Network HIE South of Scotland Enterprise Fiona Drane

SCOTO Community Tourism - It's all about localness.

24/04/2024

Community-led tourism is not a new thing.

🥳Congratulations to everyone at the Museum of Lead Mining for preserving and celebrating our Scottish heritage for 50 years!

Is your community tourism organisation older? We'd love to know.

The Museum is 50 years young this year!

We have launched a fundraising campaign.

If you would like to support the story into the next 50 years you can donate* by

- Either clicking on http://easydonate.org/LEAD50

- Or sending a text as follows:

To donate £1, text LEAD50 to 70201
To donate £3, text LEAD50 to 70331
To donate £5, text LEAD50 to 70970
To donate £10, text LEAD50 to 70191

Text will cost your donation amount + standard network message charge.

* Fundraising, payments and donations will be processed and administered by the National Funding Scheme (Charity No: 1149800), operating as DONATE. Texts will be charged at your standard network rate. For Terms & Conditions, see www.easydonate.org

The museum and tearoom are open Wednesday to Sunday, 11:00am to 3:00pm

Mine and library guided tour tickets can be purchased via our website: www.leadminingmuseum.co.uk