News / Coo van on the moove next week
A VAN painted like a Highland coo and driven by a “coo-visor” will be on hand at isles’ attractions next week as part of a VisitScotland drive to boost tourism.
‘Heather’ – one of the national tourism organisation’s small herd of Coo Vans offering mobile information provision – will be in Shetland from Monday 2 July until Thursday 5 July.
Heather will be horning in on the action at attractions including Sumburgh Lighthouse, Unst Heritage Centre and Scalloway Museum.
She will be joined by members of VisitScotland’s team of specially-trained coo-visors, who are responsible for steering the coos around the country over the summer.
Northlink is assisting VisitScotland by transporting Heather and the coo-visors to and from Shetland via ferry. The Coo-visors will be on hand to offer visitors advice on what to see and do in Shetland.
VisitScotland island manager Steve Mathieson said: “I know from talking to our coo-visors that they are very much looking forward to their trip to Shetland, to meet and offer information to visitors which we hope will then inspire them to visit again in the future.
“We have been mobilising our workforce to deliver the best information to every corner of Scotland through face-to-face and digital channels, including our online community platform, a fleet of coo vans and other outreach activity.
“The Coo Vans, in particular, have become a real talking point among visitors to events across Scotland, and they will be a popular addition to the many events and locations they attend over the coming months.
“The Coo Vans have a great following on social media and are particularly popular with children in Scotland. Having them here is a great way of showcasing our islands to potential visitors from all over the world – but is not trying to portray Shetland as the home of the Highland coo!”
On Monday morning Heather will be at Lerwick iCentre, the Market Cross; at Braewick Café at 11am; Eshaness Lighthouse at 1pm; 3pm Tangwick Ha Museum at 3pm.
On Tuesday 10am she will be at the Old Haa Museum; Victoria’s Tea-rooms 12.20pm; Haroldswick; Hermaness Nature Reserve car park 1.45pm; Unst Heritage Centre 2.45pm; The Viking Unst Project 4pm.
On Wednedsay Heather will visit Sumburgh Lighthouse at 10am; Quendale Mill 12.30pm; Hoswick Café/Visitor Centre at 2.30pm.
On Thursday she will be at Lerwick Cruise Ships (based at Victoria Pier) at 9am; Scalloway Museum at 11.30am; Burland Croft Trail, Trondra 1.30pm and Shetland Jewellery 3.30pm.
The Coon Van herd has already been at a number of events, including the Cairngorms Nature Big Weekend, Angus Agricultural Show, Rock of Ages at Dumbarton Castle, Lanark Lanimer Day and Thirlestane Castle Vintage Rally.
They will also attend a number of planned events through the summer, including the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival, Anstruther Harbour Festival, European Pipe Band Championships, Foodies Festival in Edinburgh, Stonehaven Highland Games and the Lonach Gathering.
On top of these, they will also visit many different visitor attractions, partner sites and tourism hotspots on a day-to-day basis and will appear at many more before finishing up for the year at the end of October.
Become a member of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -
- Remove non-local ads;
- Bookmark posts to read later;
- Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
- Hide membership messages;
- Comments open for discussion.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.
Already a member? Sign in to hide this message.
