A video featuring members of the Scottish Tourist Guides Association celebrating World Whisky Day has had nearly 10,000 views around the globe.
Some 26 members of the association filmed individual videos in locations all around Scotland including Edinburgh Castle, the Forth Railway bridge and by lochs and rivers which were then edited together by Blue Badge Tourist Guide Andrea Middleton
Fellow guide Ronnie Berri made four whisky tasting videos which attracted more than 8000 views between them.
Other guides also made individual videos which were shown on Facebook and Instagram.
STGA marketing chair Alasdair Northrop said the campaign was one of a series to help keep Scotland on the global tourism map.
‘A few weeks ago we celebrated New York Tartan Day and we have plans to do more themed videos,’ he said.
‘Guides like Andrea were already very good at social media but even she is learning new skills like editing videos at a sophisticated level.’
STGA chairman Linda Arthur said: ‘Currently all of our members have no work due to coronavirus but we are making the most of the time to remind people that we are still here and looking forward to getting back to guiding.
‘We are happy to take bookings for 2021 and we are also hoping there may be some work for members this year when the lockdown is lifted in Scotland.’
Alasdair added: ‘The whisky industry is huge in Scotland and worth some £5bn to the country’s economy.
‘Guides are very knowledgeable about the industry and regularly take visitors to see the country’s numerous distilleries.’
The STGA has more than 500 members and was founded 61 years ago. As well as having its own booking service the association trains guides to a high level of competency. Blue Badge guides are qualified to take visitors on tours anywhere in Scotland while Green Badge guides are qualified to guide in regions and Yellow Badge guides at specific locations.