ScottishNews.com

Led by Cairngorms Business Partnership (CBP), over 350 tourism firms are now coming together to promote the Cairngorms National Park ‘Where Winter Comes to Life!’ campaign.

A whopping 1,700 square miles of Highland winter wonderland are filled with seasonal magic, including the UK’s only free ranging reindeer herd, Cairngorm Mountain and Loch Morlich at Glenmore, Balmoral Castle & Estate at Crathie, Aviemore Ice Rink, Tomintoul & Glenlivet Dark Sky Park, Dalwhinnie Distillery, and the Highland Wildlife Park.

Cairngorms Business Partnership is working with tourism businesses across the region to help extend the season and bring business to local visitor economies over the quieter winter months, with a focus on outdoor adventure, wildlife and nature, health and wellbeing, food and drink, culture and heritage.

The initiative is being geared towards promoting reasons to visit and explore the Cairngorms National Park from October to the end of March, showcasing areas that can accommodate visitors in the quieter season, as well as highlighting the long-established relationship between tourism, the great outdoors and wellbeing.

A list of top accommodation providers has already signed up to the campaign and will be staying open to visitors throughout the winter.

Visitors are being encouraged to enjoy everything from winter sports and stargazing, to guided wildlife-spotting adventures and opportunities to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Local expert guides will be on hand to offer a warm welcome to visitors,including opportunities to explore the natural history, landscape, heritage and traditions of the Cairngorms.

Craig Mills, CEO of Cairngorms Business Partnership, which is leading the official VisitCairngorms winter campaign, said: “The Cairngorms were built on winter experiences. Home to three of Scotland’s ski centres, our very own reindeer herd and a 90-mile SnowRoads trail, we’re the UK’s original winter destination.

“We’re also home to some of Scotland’s most historic castles and distilleries, as well as popular family attractions, watersports, winter wildlife watching, and some incredible high and low level walking and cycling routes.

“Wintertime is when the Cairngorms are at their most magical. This winter, we’re encouraging visitors to explore the UK’s largest National Park and find out why the region really is ‘Where Winter Comes to Life!’”

Jess Wise, visitor operations manager at Highland Wildlife Park, said: “Winter is a fantastic time to experience Highland Wildlife Park with the changing seasons offering visitors a different perspective on some of the world’s most fascinating animals.

“From seeing our snow-loving species thrive in the colder conditions to enjoying our exciting events, there is something special about visiting us during the winter months.

“Winter provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the park at a quieter pace, discover more about the wildlife that calls this unique landscape home and make the most of everything the Cairngorms has to offer.”

Wendy McKay, Co-owner and Director of Great North Lodges, added: “Winter is such a special time to experience the Cairngorms. We’re delighted to support the ‘Where Winter Comes to Life’ campaign and encourage more people to discover the Cairngorms beyond the traditional peak season, to slow down, reconnect and experience this incredible part of Scotland at a time of year when supporting local businesses and year-round tourism really matters.”

Artist Angus Grant, the owner of the Spey Bank Studio art gallery in Grantown-on-Spey, commented: “The Cairngorms look incredible in the winter and the landscape provides endless inspiration for me and all the artists we work in the gallery. There’s a special quality to the light at this time of year that makes the mountains look majestic.”

Cairngorms Business Partnership works with the Cairngorms National Park Authority as a Chamber of Commerce and a Destination Marketing Organisation committed to promoting responsible and sustainable tourism.