Press Release

GLENLIVET ESTATE SHINES AT 2006 NORTHERN LIGHTS TOURISM AWARDS

28 November 2006

The Crown Estate’s Glenlivet estate in Moray has won gold at this year’s Northern Lights Tourism Awards for best practice in Tourism and Sustainability.

The estate team won the award for their commitment to green tourism and protecting Scotland’s natural environment at what is billed the tourism event of year in Grampian and the Highlands.

The awards, organised by VisitScotland, are now in their fourth year and recognise excellence, innovation and quality within the tourism industry in the north east of Scotland.

Andrew Wells, The Crown Estate’s Countryside and Forestry Services Manager based at Glenlivet explained the secret to the estate’s success.

He said: “This is an important acknowledgement of the work undertaken by Glenlivet estate staff, tenants and the local community. We aim to provide as many opportunities as possible for people, young and old, to visit and enjoy the wonderful countryside Glenlivet has to offer.

“The Crown Estate also recognises the role it plays in supporting this remote rural area where tourism and the environment are vital for the future prosperity of local businesses and has invested significantly in the development of community projects, tourism initiatives and public access networks.”

Ian Dunlop, area director for VisitScotland Aberdeen and Grampian also added: “The Crown Estate has demonstrated best practice by operating in a sustainable manner with maximum consideration for the natural environment. I am delighted they have won this accolade for their commitment to involving the local community who live and work on the estate.”

Mr Wells received the winning Waterford Crystal Carafe from category sponsor BAA Scotland at the awards ceremony held at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre on 22 November 2006.

For more information please visit the VisitScotland press release.

Leaflets showing cycle trails and walks throughout the Glenlivet estate are available from ranger staff at the Estate Office and Information Centre at the south end of Tomintoul.

This is one of several awards that the Glenlivet estate has achieved. Previously it was a winning recipient of a Green Business Tourism Gold Award for demonstrating best practice in its approach to tourism development. In 1996 the estate was awarded the Natures Prize award sponsored by Scottish Natural Heritage and Grampian Television for promoting understanding and enjoyment of the countryside, and in 1999 Glenlivet was the UK runner up in the British Airways worldwide Tourism for Tomorrow Awards.