The world's first ever UNESCO trail has launched with a Lanarkshire site one of its historical designations.
The much-anticipated digital trail takes visitors through a cultural journey across Scotland experiencing everything from history to science, music, design and literature to nature and cityscapes.
And New Lanark is one of the 13 locations now showcased in the virtual tourism phenomenon.
Scotland is the first nation in the world to create a UNESCO trail which is designed to support the country's ambitions of being a leading responsible tourist destination.
The platform featuring New Lanark UNESCO World Heritage Site encourages visitors to stay longer, visit all year round and explore more widely what areas have to offer - whilst contributing to the sustainable quality of life of communities around the designated sites.
It has been developed through a unique partnership between VisitScotland, the Scottish Government, the UK National Commission for UNESCO, Historic Environment Scotland, NatureScot, the National Trust for Scotland, as well as Scotland’s 13 UNESCO designations.
Andy Cuthbertson, commercial manager of New Lanark Trust said: “It’s an absolute thrill to see Scotland’s National Trail come to fruition.
"It’s a testament to Scotland’s unique cultural landscape and the hard work of our UNESCO designations.
"It’s an incredible opportunity for people, not just in Scotland, but worldwide, to explore, experience and discover what our World Heritage designations have to offer.”
Tourism Minister Ivan McKee added: “Scotland has always been a pioneering nation and I’m pleased to see we’re leading the way with the world’s first UNESCO digital trail.
"Tourism is key to Scotland’s economy and as we begin to recover from the pandemic, this collaboration between the Scottish Government, VisitScotland, NatureScot and UNESCO could not be more timely.
“Supported by £360,000 of Scottish Government funding, the UNESCO Trail will help to attract and welcome both domestic and international visitors again, by showcasing Scotland’s unique cultural heritage and many UNESCO sites.
"As we approach COP26, I’m pleased to see that the UNESCO trail has sustainability at its core and will help visitors make responsible and sustainable choices by highlighting green accredited businesses and promoting environmentally friendly travel.”
Other designations include Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, Wester Ross UNESCO Biosphere, Dundee UNESCO City of Design, and Glasgow UNESCO City of Music.
Francesca Osowska, CEO of NatureScot and Chair of Scotland’s UNESCO Trail Steering Group, said: “The Trail is a hugely exciting global first, inspiring visitors to Scotland to journey through its unique natural and cultural heritage.
"All the designations in the trail have a distinctive story to tell and we hope that, whether people visit just one, or travel to all the sites, they will be wowed by what they see."
You can find out more about the trail here.
