Brown tourist signs

A quick guide to making your application

Confirming your eligibility and applying to your local authority roads department

1. 1

   Check that you qualify as a tourist destination

   A tourist destination is defined in traffic sign legislation* as a permanently established attraction or facility that:

   • attracts or is used by visitors to an area
   • is open to the public without prior booking during its normal opening hours
   • is recognised by us

   *As defined by The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016

2. 2

   Join our Quality Assurance Scheme

   To be eligible for signage, you must be a current member of our Quality Assurance Scheme. Ongoing participation in the scheme is necessary to retain tourist signs.

   Join our Quality Assurance Scheme
3. 3

   Request your letter of accreditation

   Before you apply for a brown tourist sign, you'll need an official accreditation letter. To ask for one, eligible businesses should contact signposting@visitscotland.com

   Please note that we are responsible for approving eligibility to apply for signage. Our remit does not include responsibility for approving signage.

4. 4

   Apply to local authority roads department

   Once you have your accreditation letter you can make your application. Your first point of contact should be your local authority roads department. They manage all requests and can progress your application on local roads. Approval is their decision.

   Where applicable,  you may asked to liaise with Transport Scotland or one of their operating companies. This is the case for signage requests on trunk roads or motorways.