Introduction
Tourist Signposting is a fundamental part of providing a welcome for our visitors.  It is important that visitors can be assured of consistent quality.  In determining who is eiligible for Tourist Signposting accreditation, VisitScotland will use Quality Assurance schemes to ensure that our visitors are directed to facilities that offer this quality experience.

The role of Tourist Signposting
Just as important as participation in a Quality Assurance Scheme is quality control. Tourist Signposting is visitor information and should not be seen as a substitute for effective marketing. It should only be provided to attractions and facilities which visitors would otherwise have difficulty finding.  It is not possible or desirable for every tourist facility to obtain signs, as it is in no-one's interest to have a large number of irrelevant signs across Scotland nor is it desirable to have junctions cluttered with so much information that the visitor becomes confused.

Effective Signs
Effective signs should be in a logical sequence, well sited and well maintained. The information should be clear to allow visitors to reach their destination safely, eg. mileages and plating or removal during closed periods. Effective signs are concise - the use of symbols such as the ''eating'' symbol and ''bed'' symbol should not be necessary if commercial names are used.
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The Regulations
The "thistle" logo is seen as a sign of quality and enhances Scotland's strong national image with visitors, and should be used on all destination tourist signs. These include hotels, restaurant, attractions and retail establishments provided they are members of the relevant VisitScotland Quality Assurance scheme or a VisitScotland accredited scheme such as the AA. The use of commercial names is now permitted more generally than before and mileages are strongly recommended for all signs. In the interest of road safety, composite tourist signs at busy junctions are recommended and in many cases this helps to share the burden costs amongst several operators.

The regulations allow for a higher degree of local interpritation and this is reflected in your local Council's Tourist Signposting policy. It is stronly recommended that you obtain a copy of this policy from your Council before applying for signs and you should note that the final agreement to sign your establishment is always a matter for the local Traffic Authority. It is important that you know and understand their policy.

It should be noted that Motorway and Trunk Road tourist signposting is the responsibility of Transport Scotland and applications are dealt with by the Trunk Road Operating Companies, which are Scotland Transerv in the North West, Bear Scotland in the North East and South East, and Amey Highways, in the South West. It is strongly recommended that, if you require tourist signs on a trunk road or motorway, you read the “Trunk Road and Motorway Tourist Signposting Policy”. It is important that you know and understand this policy.
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Visitor Attractions
VisitScotland accreditation for signage to visitor attractions will only be given to establishments who have achieved an award under the VisitScotland Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance scheme.

There may be some facilities such as natural attractions, areas of geographic interest, beaches, viewpoints, etc., which do not fall within the Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance scheme and applicants for these, mainly non-commercial facilities, will be asked to complete a form giving details of the facility and to sign a copy of VisitScotland’s Code of Conduct. Establishments should also be able to demonstrate effective marketing of the facility or site.

There may also be some Visitor Facilities which do not currently fall within the Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance scheme. They too will be asked to complete a form giving details of the facility and sign a copy of VisitScotland’s Code of Conduct. Establishments should also be able to demonstrate effective marketing of the facility or site..
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Tourist Accommodation
Accreditation from VisitScotland for the use of “Thistle” signs will be given to any operator who participates in the appropriate Quality Assurance scheme. This includes hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, hostels and caravan and camping parks.

It should be noted that under the 1995 regulations, self catering accommodation is not covered as being eligible for tourist signposting. However, in certain circumstancesCouncils and/or Transport Scotland may be happy to sign establishments for traffic management or road safety issues. If this is the case, and the establishment is in current membership of the relevant Quality Assurance scheme, accreditation will be given.
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Restaurants and Cafes
Accreditation from VisitScotland will be given only to eating establishments who participate in the EatScotland Food Quality Assurance scheme administered by VisitScotland and operated by SFQC. To join EatScotland please telephone:0131 335 6608 or e mail eatscotland@sfqc.co.uk.
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Tourist Trails
The signposting of Tourist Trails includes scenic trails, linear routes and the use of short lengths of primary routes.

The actual establishment of a new route will be subject to VisitScotland approval and will involve detailed discussions with the relevant VisitScotland Area Office and the Traffic Authority.
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Motorway Signing
In order to be eligible for tourist signs on the motorway network, tourist attractions should normally have received at least 50,000 visitors in each of the previous three years. This will be in addition to Quality Assurance participation and distance criteria. However the new Trunk Road and Motorway Signposting Policy published in 2006 introduced relaxations for historical or cultural attractions of national importance.For businesses operating on a seasonal basis, signage will be considered if the business attracts 10,000 visitors in the peak month of operation..
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Other Signs
The above information primarily refers to Road Traffic signs but there are other types of signs presently being used.

Planning Signs
Planning signs or “advertising” signs require planning permission because they are out with the highway boundary. They are not a substitute for brown tourist signposting and should not be necessary if an effective local Tourist Signposting policy is implemented.
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Temporary Signing
Temporary signing showing suitable routes for special events, festivals or sporting venues is available. This is usually through the AA, however this still requires the approval of the relevant traffic authority. For more information and to make a request call 0800 7317003.
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Establishment Signs
Generally located at the entrance to a private establishment, these signs advertise particular properties or services, i.e. hotel, ensuite facilities, Quality Assurance award, etc. Although planning permission is not usually required, their size and use may be subject to a local planning by-law.
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Timescale and Costs
Tourist signs take time to be installed. The process includes approval, agreement on wording and number of signs, manufacture of the signs and physically setting them up. You should, therefore, allow 2-3 months minimum from start to finish.

The cost of the signs should also be taken into consideration when you are planning your tourist signs. Costs can range from a few hundred pounds to several thousands for larger motorway or trunk road signing. Both these issues should be fully discussed with the Roads Authority when you apply.

It should be noted that any establishment that withdraws from a Quality Assurance scheme, fails to achieve an award or does not meet the criteria will be liable to have their signage removed.
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Who is Eligible
A tourist destination is defined for signing purposes as a permanently established attraction or facility which attracts or is used by visitors to an area and is open to the public without prior booking during its normal opening hours. It also has to be recognised by VisitScotland.
This now includes:

• Historic Properties and Castles
• Parks and Gardens
• Leisure Complexes and Sports Venues
• Sports centres and golf courses (including Championship courses
• Beaches and Viewpoints
• Areas of Special Geographic Interest
• Restaurants and Cafes
• Ancient Monuments and Museums
• Theatres and Concert Venues
• Nature Reserves, Zoos and Safari Parks
• Activity Centre Facilities
• Hotels, Guest Houses and Bed & Breakfasts
• Tourist and Youth Hostels
• Retail facilities with tourism elements
• Tourist Information Centres
• Camping & Caravan Parks, Picnic Sites
• Tours and Leisure Drives

This list is not exhaustive but indicates the types of facilities that are likely to be eligible and can apply to VisitScotland for Tourist Signposting accreditation. See below on “How to Apply”.
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How to Apply
For advice or to seek agreement for signing you should first contact VisitScotland by writing to:

Tracie Denoon
Quality & Standards
VisitScotland
Thistle House
Beechwood Park North
Inverness, IV2 3ED

Tel: 01463 723040 or email: signposting@visitscotland.com

If accreditation is given you should then apply to your Home Traffic Authority, which is the traffic authority for the road which provides the main direct access to your tourist destination to discuss locations, number of signs, costs etc..
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