In 2020 and 2021, Scotland’s Coasts and Waters will be celebrated with a programme of activity designed to inspire both visitors and locals to explore and experience our unrivalled shores.
But what does the Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21 (YCW20/21) mean for your business or organisation? Whether you're an accommodation provider, visitor attraction or a tour guide - get ready to inspire and attract both visitors and locals looking to uncover and enjoy Scotland's waters.
Join the celebrations for YCW20/21!
Find out more
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About the Year
Find out more about YCW20/21, the scope of opportunity and how you can get on-board with the celebratory year. Don’t just go with the flow – jump right in!
2020 flows into 2021
Published December 2020
Making the most of Scotland's Themed Year opportunity
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Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the continuation of Year of Coasts and Waters into 2021, including marketing and promotion, funding and events.
Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21 frequently asked questions
Published December 2020
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Research and Insights
From wildlife to food and drink, cultural heritage to outdoor activities, check out the research and insights on our visitors that align with the year.
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Sustainability and responsible engagement
YCW20/21 celebrates and shines a spotlight on Scotland’s beautiful natural environment while promoting responsible engagement. When it comes to staying safe in and around Scotland's waters, Water Safety Scotland has a useful guidance leaflet available to download and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution provides helpful advice and tips across a range of water-related pursuits. With a wealth of information out there, here are some of the organisations, along with some of the best practices to follow including our 20 Green Tips, to use as a resource when planning activity in relation to YCW20/21 and beyond.
20 Green Tips
Published December 2020
Get involved
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Download the logo
Make your mark during the year! From websites to social media, email signatures to flyers, use the official free to use logo across your own promotions to inspire and 'wet' the appetite of your potential visitors. Complete the online form to download the suite of logos.
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YCW20/21 Events
The delivery of an exciting programme of special events is an important part of each celebratory Themed Year. The Coasts and Waters supported events programme for 2020 was unable to take place as planned, but it is currently being rescoped and reshaped in line with current government advice in relation to COVID-19.
The YCW20/21 Event Partner Programme is open for applications. This is a free, non-funded opportunity to align your event with the theme and benefit from potential inclusion in our promotional activity in celebration of the Year.
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Visuals speak volumes
From pretty harbours to dramatic cliffs, sea-kayaking to canal boat trips, choose from a selection of free images for use across your own channels and campaigns from our Digital Media Library.
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Get sociable
Join the conversation and share your own inspirational content across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using #YCW2021. Let’s create a ripple effect! We have lots of tips for how to improve your digital skills and make the most of online opportunities.
Celebrating YCW20/21 | Case Studies
Read the practical examples of destinations, businesses and organisations who have used the Themed Year opportunity to their advantage in a range of different ways to inspire, engage and enhance the visitor experience.
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Historical Environment and Cultural Heritage | National Trust for Scotland (NTS)
Scotland’s coasts and waters have shaped our rich history and heritage, and several organisations have made the most of this connection, using the Themed Year to engage with their customers and stakeholders.
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Natural Environment & Wildlife | NatureScot
From river rangers to ocean-inspired artwork, saltmarsh stories to sea safaris, Gaelic song and orca watching. Find out about NatureScot's wide range of activities they have designed and delivered to celebrate the Year of Coasts and Waters.
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Food & Drink | Dunnet Bay Distillers
Dunnet Bay Distillers, based in Caithness, use Highland water and locally-sourced botanicals to create their award-winning gin and vodka. Take a look at how they designed an innovative new visitor experience to celebrate the Year of Coasts and Waters.
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Partner Funding Success Stories | Historic Environment Scotland
Find out more about how Historic Environment Scotland and other organisations created funding opportunities aligned to the Year of Coasts and Waters.
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Destinations | West Coast Waters
The West Coast Waters campaign has brought together tourism and destination marketing organisations from across Scotland’s beautiful west coast from Wester Ross and Lewis in the north to Arran and Kintyre in the south. Take a look at how they are engaging with the Themed Year.
