As reports circulate that a Thai holiday resort used an image of one of Scotland’s top Scottish beaches in their marketing material, research conducted by Opinion Matters shows that Scotland’s stunning winter white beaches are often mistaken for more exotic climes.
The survey, conducted earlier in the year for VisitScotland, asked respondents around the UK to look at a picture of the Isle of Harris’ idyllic white beach and asked them to say where they thought it was. 26% of those who replied thought it was Mauritius, 17% thought it was New Zealand and 13.7% thought it was Thailand. Only 22% of those surveyed correctly guessed it was Scotland.
Picture: The Isle of Harris
Earlier in the week, the media widely reported that an image of the island of Berneray was used in marketing material for the Thai resort of Koh Chang.
Suzanne Casey at VisitScotland said: "It is an easy mistake to make as there are so many beautiful white beaches around Scotland that offer a stunning setting for a winter break. People looking to experience exactly what these pictures have to offer need look no further than our winter website (www.visitscotland.com/whiteinvite).”
There are many beaches in Scotland offering long stretches of white sand and are the perfect locations for winter strolls:
• Enjoy a stroll along the beaches of Harris with miles of scenic contrasts that have to be seen to be believed. Revitalising winter sea breezes straight from the Atlantic Ocean will take your breath away amidst the sound of waves breaking. Just a few miles south of Tarbert, the island’s main port, Luskentyre is one of the most spectacular stretches of sand, offering views of majestic snow-capped mountains in the distance. Harris has many more special beaches to choose from, including Seilibost and Traigh Mor.
• For a walk along uncrowded stunning white sands, look no further than Montrose’s Lunan Bay. This award-winning beach is the perfect antidote to an indulgent Christmas and just the place to blow away the winter cobwebs.
• Stretching for almost two miles, and famous from the opening scene of ‘Chariots of Fire’, St Andrews’ West Sands beach is nestled between the refreshing sea swirl and the town’s world famous Old Course. The dunes which the beach backs onto provide a perfect sheltered spot for a winter picnic, before stretching your legs for a leisurely walk along the seashore to take in the crisp, fresh winter air.
• Surf’s up this winter as Aberdeen City and Shire is the place to be for white waves. Whether you are into wind surfing or kite surfing, Aberdeenshire’s white beaches are an ideal destination. With large, open and un-crowded white sandy stretches, where better to relax and invigorate.
• The Highlands also offers a range of stunning beaches, where an invigorating winter stroll along the white sands of Arisaig, Traigh and Morar beaches is an experience not to be missed.
For information about Scotland’s white beaches and wide range of other winter white activities to see and do in Scotland, please log on to www.visitscotland.com/whiteinvite