The driving force behind Scotland’s country sports industry has been given an added boost to help focus and target tourists wanting to pursue outdoor sports.

Bell Ingram, expert land and estate agents, teamed up with the Scottish Country Sports Tourism Group (SCSTG) and Angus Council to host a “Working with the Country Sports Sector-Awareness and Collaboration” evening designed to help businesses make the most of tourism generated within the sector. Throughout the evening keynote speakers highlighted the importance of attracting sports-hungry tourists to Scotland and why collaborations between country sports operators and other tourism businesses can ensure the sector continues to thrive. Victoria Brooks, project co-ordinator for the SCSTG, said: “We hope the evening helped to inspire and encourage more collaboration and communication within businesses all across the region. “This year, Angus and Dundee are gearing up to welcome thousands of global visitors and hundreds of participants to the area when the Commonwealth Games shooting event comes to Barry Buddon in July. “So it’s a fantastic opportunity to show off the area and encourage country sports enthusiasts to return year after year.”

Bell Ingram’s Patrick Laughlin, who has worked for the company since 2005, was also on hand to discuss his experiences from 20 years of working within tourism and leisure-related projects including strong relationships with sporting estates and tourism provider, VisitScotland. Patrick said: “The aim of the evening was to raise awareness within the sector of country sports and give our guests the tools needed to seize new opportunities within their businesses. “It’s extremely important for people within this industry to collaborate and understand how working together can benefit everyone to attract as much tourism to Scotland as possible. “I’m certain that everyone took a lot away from what was an extremely successful evening. Hopefully this is the first step to maximising the tourism opportunities for all lovers of country sport wanting to take advantage of what fantastic services Scotland has to offer.”

The evening also welcomed a case study from Billy Hamilton of Buccleuch Arms Hotel in the Scottish Borders who discussed tips on how to run a successful business in the sector, followed by Nicki Barnett of Highland Lodges who highlighted the importance of customer care. Colin Shedden from the British Association for Shooting and Conservation was also on hand to discuss the safety aspects of the Country Sport Sector and Hughie Campbell Adamson of Stracathro Estate, Angus, discussed the sector from a sporting estate perspective.

Councillor Sheila Hands, spokesperson for tourism in Angus, said, “This event was an ideal way of bringing together the local country sports sector and visitor accommodation businesses. At Angus Council, we aim to encourage businesses to collaborate and offer products which will bring more visitors to the area. Country sports are becoming more accessible to all kinds of people, so it is important that our accommodation businesses are aware of this and take steps to provide visitors with what they need. The event took place on Thursday 13 March at the Drovers Inn, Memus in Angus.

Established 114 years ago, Bell Ingram has over 100 professional staff across 11 UK offices, including chartered surveyors, estate and forestry managers, architects, green energy specialists and estate agents.

Press release issued on behalf of Bell Ingram by www.holyroodpr.co.uk. For more information contact 0131 561 2244 or info@holyroodpr.co.uk