In 2020, we are celebrating the very best of Scotland’s Coasts and Waters designed to inspire both visitors and locals to explore and experience our unrivalled shores and coastlines.
We’re closely monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation as it develops. We recognise this is a very challenging time for the industry as a whole and for you as individuals.
Each month we’ll shine a light on some of the people who live, work and have a passion for our coasts and waters in our ‘Day in the Life’ series. Ever wonder what makes Scottish oysters so distinctive, or how it feels to be part of a daring sea rescue? Then check out the links below to find out more about Scotland’s rich natural resources and the people who work on and around them.
We’ll be featuring a range of people in tourism businesses across the country who exemplify the themed year, including those working in cultural heritage, adventure, wildlife, food and drink. These industries provide invaluable skills, stories and contributions to tourism and form the lifeblood of the wider economy.
Whet your appetite...
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The Forager
Do you know your kelp from your bladderwrack? We spoke to Jayson Byles, forager, chef and founder of East Neuk Seaweed to find out more about his passion for seaweed and the workshops he runs to share his knowledge with others.
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The Paddlesport Instructor
We caught up with Piotr Gudan, Founder of Perthshire's Outdoor Explore, to find out more about his paddlesport business, and life on the water.
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The RSPB Community Engagement Officer
Not everyone gets to enjoy dolphin sightings as part of their 9 to 5, but for RSPB Scotland’s Community Engagement Officer, Sadie Gorvett, it's a regular occurence. We spoke to Sadie to find out more about the Dolphinwatch project and her passion for Scotland’s marine wildlife.
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The Marine Archaeologist
Ever wondered what diving in Scotland feels like? This month we spoke to Robert MacKintosh, a marine archaeologist working for Wessex Archaeology’s Coastal & Marine team based in Scotland. He is a trained SCUBA diver and is working on providing underwater archaeology services to Historic Environment Scotland.
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The Head Chef
Tucked away on the shores of Loch Linnhe looking out to the islands of Lismore and Mull is The Pierhouse Hotel & Seafood Restaurant. This small hotel and renowned Scottish seafood restaurant is one of Argyll’s most idyllic and romantic destinations. We spoke to Michael Leathley, Head Chef, at The Pierhouse Seafood Restaurant to find out more...
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The Fish and Chip Shop Chef and Director
In celebration of Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight, we spoke to Calum Richardson, the Chef/Director at The Bay Fish and Chips, which has been proudly serving locally-sourced, sustainable fish and chips from their shop on the Stonehaven seafront since 2006.
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The Lighthouse Museum Manager
Kinnaird Head Castle Lighthouse and The Museum of Scottish Lighthouses in Fraserburgh has a rich history. We caught up with Lynda McGuigan, Manager of the museum and lighthouse, to find out more about site and learn what she enjoys most about her job.
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The Mull of Galloway Lighthouse Cottages
The Mull of Galloway Lighthouse is situated at Scotland’s most southerly point, and visitors to the area can enjoy a stay in a real former lighthouse keeper cottage at the Mull of Galloway lighthouse cottages.
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The Orkney Storyteller
Lynn Barbour, Founder of the Orkney Folklore and Storytelling Centre, talks to us about the rich history and heritage of the island and its inhabitants, as well as their deep relationship with the coast that surrounds them.
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The Marine Ecologist and Diver
Flora Kent at Scottish Natural Heritage talked to us about her role as a marine ecologist and diver, and about the impact the Covid-19 crisis has had on her work.
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The Whisky Distiller
We spoke to Andrew Morrison, Managing Director of the Clydeside Distillery, to find out more about the family business and why the location of the distillery is so special and what they have been doing to support the local community over the past few months.
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Nevis Ensemble
Nevis Ensemble were due to tour their Nevis Water Stories this year as part of the Year of Coasts and Waters Events Programme. With that tour now on hold, we caught up with Jon Hargreaves and Holly Mathieson, Artistic Directors of Nevis Ensemble, to find out about their work and how it has been impacted by the current crisis.
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The Gin Distiller
We spoke to Georgina Kitching, one of the co-founders of Lussa Gin, based in the remote Isle of Jura. Read the interview to find out more about the business she's built with two friends on the island they love.
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The Marine Conservationist
Ever since she was a young girl, Catherine has had a deep relationship with the sea and its wildlife. From beach cleans to social media, find out what’s involved in the life of a Conservation Officer in Scotland.
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The Highland Business Owner
Find out more about living and working amongst the stunning coasts and waters of the Highlands as we talk to Freda Newton about her tour guide business.
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The Oyster Shucker
Read our interview with Oyster Shucking Champion, Tristan Hugh-Jones, to find out more about Scotland's rich seafood, foody festivals and the best way to eat an oyster.
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The RNLI volunteer
Could you navigate the choppy waters of the North Sea? Find out what it takes to be an RNLI volunteer by reading our interview with the 2nd Coxswain at Anstruther Lifeboat Station.
