Now is the time to look ahead to 2021. Discover how Scottish tourism businesses are embracing life as we know it for their guests and the communities they belong to, whilst continuing to offer the warm welcome Scotland is renowned for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Extending the personal touch<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Edinburgh\u2019s very own luxury floating hotel,\u00a0Fingal<\/a>, reopened with its first Wellbeing Manager. The role was established to ensure that overnight guests and local diners continued to enjoy a unique, luxurious and seamless experience onboard the five-star hotel. As cities across the UK continue to move through varying restrictions,\u00a0The Balmoral<\/a>\u00a0has introduced\u00a0The Curfew Club<\/em>, an exclusive series of new in-room, after 10pm experiences, to curb guests\u2019 cravings for the well-loved Edinburgh nightlife. From a virtual whisky tasting with the hotel\u2019s very own SCOTCH ambassador, to a complimentary movie night accompanied by an indulgent cinematic inspired menu, there is an option for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestled in The Cairngorms National Park,\u00a0The Fife Arms<\/a>\u00a0offers the perfect rural retreat. In response to Covid-19, the hotel has implemented a series of changes designed to give guests peace of mind whilst embracing the hotel\u2019s distinctive setting. These changes include an expanded team of ghillies, a self-guided outdoors directory and a glorious Highland Picnic. The team of ghillies will be available to support all guests\u2019 needs throughout their stay, 24 hours a day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep it Clean\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Scotland\u2019s distilleries were perhaps one of the first industries to make a change in the face of the pandemic when they switched up whisky and gin production to make hand sanitiser back in March. Their efforts can still be seen today as their sanitiser can be found in restaurants and bars around the country including from Port of Leith Distillery, Isle of Harris Distillers, Leith Distillery, Pickering\u2019s Gin and many more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n More stories about how Scotland responded to the pandemic are here:\u00a0https:\/\/www.visitscotland.org\/supporting-your-business\/advice\/coronavirus\/inspirational-news<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Pop-Up Pods<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n While outdoor dining became the trend of summer 2020, hospitality businesses in Scotland wouldn\u2019t let the notoriously unpredictable Scottish weather prevent their guests from tucking in al fresco. Dining pods and marquees have been popping up across the country to ensure guests stay warm, dry and feel safe whilst enjoying a meal with loved ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meldrum House<\/a>\u00a0in Aberdeenshire has launched the\u00a0Under The Stars Experience<\/em><\/a>,\u00a0<\/em>where guests can dine in atmospheric domes and enjoy a romantic evening admiring Scotland\u2019s\u00a0dark skies<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fonab Castle<\/a>\u00a0in Perthshire also introduced Pod Dining with a series of Pods situated in the grounds of the estate with stunning views over Loch Faskally. Each pod provides a relaxing space for eating and drinking with friends and family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Find out more about the innovative ways Scotland\u2019s tourism businesses are reopening here:\u00a0https:\/\/www.visitscotland.org\/supporting-your-business\/advice\/coronavirus-recovery\/reopening-tourism-stories<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Scotland Has You Covered<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n While exploring Scotland, it is essential to wear a face covering in public indoor spaces (e.g. shops, visitor attractions, public transport, restaurants unless seated at your table) to keep people safe. \u00a0Why not make a fashion statement by choosing a covering designed and produced by some of the talented Scottish textile businesses?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many are offering the latest must-have accessories in a range of fabrics and designs \u2013 from Harris Tweed to your family tartan.\u00a0Prickly Thistle<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Totty Rocks<\/a>\u00a0are just two examples of many.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trends<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In its latest insights paper,\u00a0Navigating the New Normal \u2013 Post-Covid19 Consumer Trends<\/em><\/a>,\u00a0<\/em>VisitScotland identified that convenience, reassurance, value, inspiration and connection will be key to recovery, with responsible and sustainable tourism at its core. Here are many ways these trends can be enjoyed across Scotland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Back to Nature<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Clean air, stunning vistas and magical moments in nature \u2013 travellers are appreciating the health benefits of spending time in the Great Outdoors more than ever before. In Scotland, it could not be easier to follow the call of the wild\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n Live Like a Local<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Everything has been a little different in 2020 and the year has been defined by embracing a new way of living. Perhaps 2021 is the year to embrace a new style of holiday and live like a local \u2013 either in Scotland\u2019s cities or the more rural parts of the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Agritourism has gone from strength to strength with holidaymakers looking to get their hands dirty down on the farm. Guests at\u00a0Arnprior Farm<\/a>\u00a0near Stirling or\u00a0Newton Farm Holidays<\/a>\u00a0in Angus can enjoy the freshest produce, from field to fork, experience farming life first-hand and, during lambing season, even help welcome the new arrivals \u2013 all while staying in luxurious, modern accommodation. More ideas for farm stays in Scotland:\u00a0https:\/\/www.visitscotland.com\/holidays-breaks\/farm-stays\/<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Equally in cities, 2021 is the year to discover the local favourites from quirky neighbourhoods like\u00a0Stockbridge<\/a>\u00a0in\u00a0Edinburgh<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Finnieston<\/a>\u00a0in\u00a0Glasgow<\/a>, to stand-alone eateries and independently-owned boutiques in\u00a0Dundee<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Inverness<\/a>. Now is the time to see the city from a local\u2019s perspective, be it the\u00a0gardens<\/a>\u00a0perfect for a picnic in\u00a0Aberdeen, the\u00a0family-run record store<\/a>\u00a0in\u00a0Perth<\/a>\u00a0or the go-to coffee shop for\u00a0a morning flat white<\/a>\u00a0in\u00a0Stirling<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2021 is also the year to discover new stories; from the\u00a0BLM Mural Trail<\/a>\u00a0to the\u00a0Invisible Cities Walking<\/a>\u00a0tours, Scotland\u2019s cities are showcasing voices that for too long have gone unheard. Art, history, culture, green spaces and mouthwatering food and drink, Scotland\u2019s seven cities offer the perfect city break package.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Responsible Tourism<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 2021 is the year of renewed tourism, as travellers embrace a new world view. Both visitors and locals love Scotland\u2019s stunning natural environments and want to preserve its beauty for generations to come. Everyone can enjoy Scotland responsibly, by spending more time in one destination, using public transport where possible, choosing to stay in environmentally friendly accommodation, visiting off-season and committing to one simple rule: \u201cLeave no trace.\u201d Read\u00a0here<\/a>\u00a0how to become a responsible tourist in 10 easy steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All those who actively seek to make a positive contribution to the environment while on holiday should consider a range of volunteering opportunities in Scotland.\u00a0Trees for Life<\/a>\u00a0offer Conservation Weeks which allow participants to play their part in restoring the ancient Caledonian Forest. And working holidays with\u00a0The National Trust for Scotland<\/a>\u00a0offer the chance to live and work in some of the most remote places of Scotland while making a real difference to the country\u2019s natural heritage. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Opening in 2021<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Following the bicentenary year of Johnnie Walker, Diageo continues its investmentin whisky tourism in Scotland in 2021 with the opening of the flagship\u00a0Johnnie Walker Princes Street<\/a>\u00a0in Edinburgh as well as revealing extensive renovations at brand homes including\u00a0Glenkinchie Distillery<\/a>in East Lothian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Great Tapestry of Scotland<\/a>\u00a0will get a new home in 2021 as the Great Tapestry of Scotland Visitor Centreopens its doors in Galashiels in the Scottish Borders. The new visitor attraction tells the story of Scotland through one of the world\u2019s largest tapestries, created by more than 1000 stitchers in communities across Scotland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The relaunch of the\u00a0David Livingstone Centre<\/a>\u00a0in South Lanarkshire in 2021 will re-interpret his life for a new generation, telling his story from multiple perspectives, from his humble beginnings as a Blantyre mill-worker to becoming a world-famous adventurer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The team behind Scotland\u2019s carbon neutral gin and vodka will be opening their doors to visitors with the launch of\u00a0The Arbikie Distillery Experience<\/a>\u00a0in Angus in 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Inspired by the legend of Jan de Groot,\u00a08 Doors Distillery<\/a>, mainland Scotland\u2019s most northerly distillery is set to open its doors in 2021 in John O\u2019Groats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Red Carnation Hotel Group<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0is set to open its first hotel in Scotland with the renovation of 100 Princes Street in Edinburgh. Opening summer 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lanrick Treehouses<\/a>\u00a0in Perthshire opened their doors in October 2020 inviting guests to enjoy a tree-top escape in luxury eco-friendly lodging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 111 by Modou<\/a>\u00a0is one of the newest additions to the restaurant scene in Glasgow and is set to delight diners into 2021. Head Chef Modou Diagne first joined 111 in 2014 as a Kitchen Porter and is now leading the team to create pioneering foodie experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n St James Quarter<\/a>\u00a0a new world-class retail-led, mixed use destination will open in spring 2021 transforming Edinburgh\u2019s East End into a vibrant destination for people to live, shop, experience and play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n