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Read all about Sonja Rasmussen's stay at Inverness City Suites as she follows in the trail of the Batman crew and enjoys some luxury in Inverness!

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One of the UK’s most haunted castles will invite daring visitors to explore its deepest, darkest corners at a forthcoming Halloween event.

Glamis Castle, located in Angus and once the childhood home of The Queen Mother, is a picturesque castle set in a 14,000 acre estate and considered to be one of the most charming buildings in all of Scotland. However, this fairytale castle hides more than its fair share of dark secrets.

On Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th October, Glamis Castle will share some of these secrets with curious visitors at its Halloween themed event. The event, which is aimed at families and will take place after dark, will provide a rare opportunity for visitors to wander the shadowy passageways and discover the ghostly goings-on and terrifying tales of this mysterious castle.

Helping to set the scene for this Halloween extravaganza are the enigmatic storytellers who will be recounting the spooky stories associated with this historic venue. Commencing within the dimly lit 16th century kitchens, the storytellers will set the scene before leading visitors through creepy corridors, before climbing narrow winding staircases into the crypt and finally venturing outdoors, for a torch lit procession.

The castle, which is the setting for Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth, has a fascinating history and is widely recognised for its myths and legends. Over the centuries, various ghostly spectres have been sighted. Amongst the many spirits of the castle is that of the Grey Lady, who has often been sighted silently praying within the chapel. Also said to appear above the clock tower, the Grey Lady’s presence has been seen by a number of visitors spanning three centuries.

Another ghostly spectre referenced by the house staff is that of a young black boy sitting in an old stone seat by the door of the Queen Mother’s bedroom. It is said that this apparition relates to a young servant who worked in the castle over 200 years ago and was considered to be ‘very mischievous’. Having been caught misbehaving, the servant was ordered by his master to sit on the stone seat and to remain seated until dismissed. However, the absentminded master forgot to dismiss his servant and the young boy is said to have continued sitting until he froze to death. It is even claimed that, on occasion, the boy may attempt to trip visitors on the step as they pass.

David Broadfoot, Castle Administrator, at Glamis says, “With our reputation as Scotland’s most haunted castle, there is no other place that captures the mood of Halloween like Glamis! Our Halloween event gives us the opportunity to showcase this beautiful place in a different light. The event has been very popular in previous years and as one of the castle‘s fastest selling events, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage interested visitors to book early.”

In addition to the guided tour and storytelling, the Halloween event will also offer visitors the chance to partake in a ‘Fiendish Feast’, which will see the Victorian Dining Room take on a completely different atmosphere after dark. To further enhance this atmospheric event, visitors are asked to bring lanterns and both children and adults alike are invited to dress up for the chance to win a prize for the best dressed.

For further details on the above event or to book tickets, please call 01307 840393 or visit www.glamis-castle.co.uk

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For media enquiries, to arrange interviews or for further photographs, please contact Angharad High at View Marketing on 01463 470990 or by email angharad@viewmarketing.co.uk

Notes to Editor

Ticket Prices - Adult: £9.25 / Child: £6.75 / Family: £27.50
Sessions are available at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm

The Outdoor Capital of the UK, which encompasses Fort William and Lochaber, has long been a Mecca for mountain bikers and cyclists. With thousands of square miles of hills, glens and forests, the Outdoor Capital of the UK attracts a huge number of mountain bikers and cyclists each year and it’s easy to see why. From flat forest tracks providing great views and gentle exercise for beginners, to all day epics through remote highland glens designed for fit, experienced and skilful riders, the Outdoor Capital of the UK has got it all.

The Outdoor Capital of the UK's fame in downhill biking circles has undoubtedly been enhanced since it began hosting the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup at Nevis Range ten years ago. Whilst this event is undoubtedly the pinnacle of The Outdoor Capital of the UK’s mountain bike calendar, it certainly isn’t the only highlight.

The forthcoming Tour de Ben Nevis, which takes place on 24th September, is considered to be “the race that took mountain biking back to the mountains” and the ultimate MTB challenge for endurance athletes and people with a sense of adventure.

Run by the highly acclaimed and extremely passionate team at No Fuss Events, the Tour de Ben Nevis entails a 72km circumnavigation around Ben Nevis – the UK’s highest mountain. Starting out at Fort William, it is an arduous journey of discovery which travels down the spectacular south side of Kinlochleven before heading back up towards Spean Bridge over some of the most dramatic scenery in the UK.

Frazer Coupland, Project Manager of the Outdoor Capital of the UK and one of the event organisers at No Fuss events, comments, “The Tour de Ben Nevis does exactly what it says on the tin; it takes mountain bike racing back to the mountains. This event is by no means a gentle stroll around your local black graded trail; this is a tough but hugely rewarding day out in the most stunning environment in the UK.”

In addition to the numerous mountain bike events that the Outdoor Capital of the UK hosts during the summer months, there are hundreds of routes for cyclists and mountain bikers to undertake at their own pace.

At the centre of mountain biking in the Outdoor Capital of the UK is the Nevis Range, the venue for the annual UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, one of the best mountain bike trail centres in the country and the only course in the UK with gondola access. Given that the downhill course is designed to challenge the world's best mountain bikers, it goes without saying that Nevis Range’s downhill course is a testing one. With a vertical drop of 525m and a length of 2.66km, it is regarded as an expert level track which fast riders can complete in four to five minutes.

Meanwhile, the Glencoe Mountain Resort, which is situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty on Rannoch Moor, is also fast becoming a high profile cycling destination and is soon to host the Scottish Downhill Series (13th and 14th August), proving its position within the cycling world.

Glencoe Mountain Resort’s black graded downhill track has quickly built up a reputation as one of the toughest, steepest and most technical tracks in the UK. Yet, in a similar fashion to the Nevis Range, the Glencoe Mountain Resort also offers riders access to a variety of trails for those with a higher sense of self preservation!

Whilst the area certainly has some outstanding mountain biking credentials, it isn't just about the longest downhill or the most challenging cross country. Within the Outdoor Capital of the UK, there is easy access to a variety of trails for those with a higher sense of self preservation!

Both the aforementioned Nevis Range and the Glencoe Mountain Resort offer a variety of beginner, intermediate, advanced and family trails in addition to their downhill routes. There are also gentle, flat trails along the Caledonian Canal; cycle trails around Glen Nevis, which follow the base of Britain's highest mountain; family friendly routes that pass through friendly crofting townships; lengthier ones which travel out to the Ardnamurchan Peninsula and many more.

“The cycling and mountain biking world is becoming more aware of everything that makes the Outdoor Capital of the UK so special. Anyone who cycles within The Outdoor Capital of the UK, regardless of their level of ability, will enjoy a cycling experience that is memorable and picturesque” says project manager, Frazer Coupland.

For those visitors who wish to combine their cycling experience with other outdoor activities such as canyoning, climbing, walking, riding or one of many other of the activities available in the area, the Outdoor Capital of the UK has recently devised the concept of ActiVacations.

Responding to the demand for activity holidays and playing on the ‘staycation’ phenomenon, ActiVacations are action packed holidays to suit everyone from gentle walkers to adrenaline junkies and offer a series of ideas of things to see and do in the area as well as accommodation and places to eat and drink.

Specifically aimed at cyclists, the ‘Pedal in Paradise’ ActiVacation is a 5-night package incorporating fantastic cycle routes and bike-friendly accommodation. With suggested routes of around 40 miles per day, the ‘Pedal in Paradise’ ActiVacation commences in Fort William and takes cyclists through Glencoe, Kingairloch Estate and Lochailort before finishing at Spean Bridge.

For further details on ActiVacations visit www.outdoorcapital.co.uk.

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For media enquiries, to arrange interviews or for further photographs, please contact View Marketing on 01463 470990 or by email info@viewmarketing.co.uk


Notes to editors
•The Outdoor Capital of the UK aims to promote and improve the area through a combination of marketing, lobbying, development and facilitation.

•The Outdoor Capital is a not for profit organisation set up originally by a group of enthusiastic local business people who were keen to promote outdoor activities in the Lochaber area. Since then the Outdoor Capital has evolved and now has more than 130 members including accommodation providers, local organisations & groups, catering establishments, retail outlets, event organisers, visitor attractions and activity providers.

• ActiVacations has received £25,000 funding from the VisitScotland Active Growth Fund.

• The year of Active Scotland is a Scottish Government initiative and is one of a series of focus years and a legacy from Homecoming Scotland 2009, being delivered by VisitScotland and EventScotland, supported by sportscotland, NHS Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and the National Trust for Scotland, as key strategic partners, beginning on the 1st January 2011

•VisitScotland is Scotland’s national tourism organisation. Its core purpose is to maximise the economic benefit of tourism to Scotland. For more information and the latest news visit www.visitscotland.org.

•For more information on things to do during the year of Active Scotland visit www.visitscotland.com/active

•The ‘Pedal in Paradise’ ActiVacation costs from £155 per person. For further details on ActiVacations visit www.outdoorcapital.co.uk

Perth Racecourse will play host to Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, on Saturday 20th August when they will be guests of honour at the Perth Racecourse Charities Race Day supported by Scottish Hydro.

The fixture, together with the previous evening’s Stagecoach Gala Dinner at The Perth Concert Hall, will raise funds for The Prince’s Charities in Scotland - a group of not-for-profit organisations of which His Royal Highness is President.

Whilst at the Charities Race Day, The Duke and Duchess will be invited to present The Governors Cup to the winning connections of the fixture’s feature race – namely the £40,000 Scottish Hydro Summer Champion Hurdle.

Sam Morshead, General Manager of Perth Racecourse said; ‘This fixture is shaping up to be our most popular event of all time and the icing on our cake is to have Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay attending a race meeting at Perth. We are all looking forward to what promises to be a very special occasion for Perth Racecourse and jump racing in Scotland.”

For further details on the above fixture or to book please call 01738 551 597 or visit www.perth-races.co.uk

The Outdoor Capital of the UK’s Autumn Programme of Events Marks the ‘Year of Active Scotland’ in style

With its long, sunny days, the summer often inspires people to take to the outdoors and undertake a more active lifestyle. But when the schools go back and colder days set in, it can be difficult to keep up that motivation. The Outdoor Capital of the UK, however, encourages people to sustain their summer activity throughout the autumn via their calendar of exciting sporting events.

The Outdoor Capital of the UK, which encompasses Fort William and Lochaber, has long been a 'must visit' destination for outdoor enthusiasts and is renowned for hosting adrenaline-fuelled outdoor events. As the location for world-class events such as the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup and the SPEA FIM Trial World Championship, combined with its glens, mountains, coastlines and forests alongside, the Outdoor Capital of the UK has built up the reputation as the best region in the UK to experience the outdoors.

The months of September and October see the Outdoor Capital of the UK play upon the above credentials and host a comprehensive programme of events including a challenging race up and down the UK’s highest mountain; several gruelling triathlons; one of the country’s ultimate MTB challenges for endurance athletes and a relentless overnight biking challenge.

The first event to commence the autumn calendar is the Ben Nevis Race on Saturday 3rd September. The event is one of Fort William's oldest and most popular outdoor activity events and attracting around 500 competitors each year. The Ben Nevis Race, which is approximately 10 miles in distance, is unlike any other. It consists of a 4,400 feet climb to the top of Britain’s highest mountain, before immediately descending via road, rough track, grassy slope and scree slope.

The earliest recorded time for this race was that by William Swan of Fort William on August 2nd 1895 and took 2 hours, 41 minutes. In the years that have passed since William’s feat, the time taken to run this race has decreased with the record for men currently standing at 1 hour 25 minutes and for ladies, at 1 hour 43 minutes.

Meanwhile, the following week will see athletes embark on what must be one of, if not the, hardest triathlon in the country. The Big Ben Nevis Triathlon, which takes place on Saturday 10th September, runs over the standard Olympic triathlon distance but replaces road bike with mountain bike and road run with hill run, allowing it to be described as ‘tougher than the Ironman'.

The event is organised by the highly acclaimed and extremely passionate team at No Fuss Events and consists of a 1900m sea loch swim, 90km mountain bike and a 21km run to the summit of Ben Nevis and back down.

If the above sounds a little too demanding, competitors can also choose to do the half triathlon, which follows the same route but half the distance on each stage.

In keeping with the ‘extreme’ style of the above triathlon, No Fuss Events offer three further intensive events during the autumn – namely the Highland Warrior Triathlon, the Tour de Ben Nevis and the Niterider Relentless 24.

The Highland Warrior Triathlon, which was staged for the first time last year, will return to the Outdoor Capital of the UK on the 11th September. Following the success of last year’s event, it proved it has the potential to become a legendary race within the triathlon community. Consisting of a 1900m sea loch swim, 90km road bike and a 21km run in Glen Nevis, this event will be the triathlonscotland Scottish Middle Distance National Championship for 2011.

The forthcoming Tour de Ben Nevis, which takes place on 24th September, is considered to be “the race that took mountain biking back to the mountains”. The event entails a 72km circumnavigation around Ben Nevis – the UK’s highest mountain and is considered to be one of the ultimate MTB challenge for endurance athletes and people with a sense of adventure.

Starting out at Fort William, it is an arduous journey of discovery which travels down the spectacular south side of Kinlochleven before heading back up towards Spean Bridge over some of the most dramatic scenery in the UK.

The last event of the autumn calendar – but certainly not the least - is the Niterider Relentless24. Taking place on the 8th October, this event is located on the world renowned Witch’s Trail and World Championships courses in the Forestry Commission Scotland’s Leanachan Forest.

Beginning with a Le Mans style racing start, more than 400 riders from across the UK and beyond will battle it out on world-class trails, from Saturday lunchtime deep into the night, with the event concluding at 12 noon on Sunday 9th.

Despite the extreme titles of some of the above events, Frazer Coupland, Project Manager of the Outdoor Capital of the UK and one of the event organisers at No Fuss events, comments, “At No Fuss Events we like to provide exciting and professional events with a relaxed atmosphere. Whilst some of our events may sound a little daunting on first impression, the emphasis is firmly on participation enjoyment and fun for all involved, whether riders, family members, spectators or support crew.”

He continues, “The Outdoor Capital of the UK likes to provide opportunities to showcase the wealth of activities available. From the summit to sea, the area is blessed with an incredible landscape which not only allow visitors to take part in a huge variety of outdoor activities on land, in the air and on the water, but for them to undertake them in some of the most dramatic Scottish locations imaginable.”

Demonstrating their eagerness to showcase the wealth of activities available, The Outdoor Capital of the UK has recently devised the concept of ActiVacations - action packed holidays which play upon the ‘staycation’ phenomenon and simultaneously respond to the demand for activity holidays.

For those who might find the above No Fuss Events a step too far, the ActiVacations are designed to suit everyone from gentle walkers to adrenaline junkies and are available throughout the Autumn.

Example ‘ActiVacations’ include ‘West Coast Waters’, a week long excursion in Mallaig and the Small Isles, encompassing Rockhopper sea kayaking, white water rafting with Highland Activities, cross-country mountain biking at Nevis Range and luxury self-catering accommodation at Sunnyside Lodge.

Alternatively, the 7 night ‘Treat The Teenagers’ package will tempt youngsters into the great outdoors with high adrenaline activities such as quad biking and paintballing with Highland Activities, canyoning with Vertical Descents and a high wire adventure course at Nevis Range.

For further details on ActiVacations visit www.outdoorcapital.co.uk.

A record number of brave competitors launched themselves into freezing waters at this weekend’s adrenaline-fuelled Glen Nevis River Race sponsored by Captain Morgan Spiced.

The extreme sports charity challenge, which took place on Saturday [16th July] in the Outdoor Capital of the UK, attracted over 200 competitors, doubling last year’s attendance.

As participants navigated the waters of the River Nevis on an air-bed, around 1,000 spectators watched on from the comfort of dry land, amongst who were Captain Morgan and his ‘Morganettes’, representing the event's sponsor, Morgan's Spiced.

Competitors in Saturday's two-mile long race began by launching themselves off a small ledge on a rock face, before following the deepest course of the river through rocks and rapids, whilst negotiating major obstacles including the Lower Falls Leap, before finishing in the calmer waters.

The winner of the event was Steve Hammond, who successfully completed the two mile race in 15 minutes 37 seconds, almost a minute and a half quicker than the competitor in second place.

The Outdoor Capital of the UK marks the year of Active Scotland in style

At the summit of Aonach Mor in the Nevis Range, ceilidh dancers celebrate throughout the night until sunrise on the longest day of the year, marking the launch of the Outdoor Capital of the UK’s ‘ActiVacations’.

Lochaber, officially recognised as The Outdoor Capital of the UK, has long been a 'must see' destination for visitors to the Highlands of Scotland. With its beaches, coastline, islands, glens, mountains and forests alongside icons such as Ben Nevis - Britain's highest mountain - Glencoe and the Scottish Sea Kayak Trail - Lochaber is undoubtedly the best region in the UK to experience the outdoors.

Given these credentials, The Outdoor Capital of the UK has devised the concept of ActiVacations.

Responding to the demand for activity holidays and playing on the ‘staycation’ phenomenon, ActiVacations are action packed holidays to suit everyone from gentle walkers to adrenaline junkies.

Marian Austin from Nevis Range, Mountain Experience, a leading attraction within The Outdoor Capital of the UK, comments, “We are all aware that the current economic situation has affected people; however as foreign holidays have become more expensive, holidays within the UK have risen in popularity. As such, the trend for Staycations has been a fantastic opportunity of business for us in recent years. At the Outdoor Capital of the UK, we aim to capitalise on this trend with our own formula for active vacations. What’s more, as 2011 is the year of Active Scotland, it therefore makes perfect sense to launch our own brand of the staycation.”

Marianne continues, “Our ActiVacation concept provides Lochaber with an opportunity to showcase the wealth of activities available. From the summit to sea, the area is blessed with an incredible landscape which not only allow visitors to take part in a huge variety of outdoor activities on land, in the air and on the water, but for them to undertake them in some of the most dramatic Scottish locations imaginable.”

The Outdoor Capital of the UK has a new website which allows adventurous people create their own personalised itinerary combining accommodation with key events in the area as well as the vast range of activities available. The visitor is in control of their itinerary and can do as much or as little as they like on their ‘ActiVacation’.

Example ‘ActiVacations’ include ‘West Coast Waters’, a week long excursion in Mallaig and the Small Isles, encompassing Rockhopper sea kayaking, white water rafting with Highland Activities, cross-country mountain biking at Nevis Range and luxury self-catering accommodation at Sunnyside Lodge.

Alternatively, the 7 night ‘Treat The Teenagers’ package will tempt youngsters into the great outdoors with high adrenaline activities such as quad biking and paintballing with Highland Activities, canyoning with Vertical Descents and a high wire adventure course at Nevis Range.

Less energetic, yet still equally appealing, is the four-night ‘Panoramic’ ActiVacation. This package, which offers the opportunity to discover Glen Spean and the Great Glen, includes activities such as a wildlife photography workshop with Nevispix, a scenic 4x4 safari with Highland Activities, a segways tour with Glencoe Activities and entry to No Fuss Events’ 5km run.

For further details on ActiVacations visit www.outdoorcapital.co.uk.

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For media enquiries, to arrange interviews or for further photographs, please contact Hilary Davies at View Marketing on 01463 470994 or by email Hilary@viewmarketing.co.uk



Notes to editors
• The Outdoor Capital of the UK aims to promote and improve the area through a combination of marketing, lobbying, development and facilitation.

• The Outdoor Capital is a not for profit organisation set up originally by a group of enthusiastic local business people who were keen to promote outdoor activities in the Lochaber area. Since then the Outdoor Capital has evolved and now has more than 130 members including accommodation providers, local organisations & groups, catering establishments, retail outlets, event organisers, visitor attractions and activity providers.

• ActiVacations has received £25,000 funding from the VisitScotland Active Growth Fund.

• The year of Active Scotland is a Scottish Government initiative and is one of a series of focus years and a legacy from Homecoming Scotland 2009, being
delivered by VisitScotland and EventScotland, supported by sportscotland, NHS Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and the National Trust for Scotland, as key strategic partners, beginning on the 1st January 2011

• VisitScotland is Scotland’s national tourism organisation. Its core purpose is to maximise the economic benefit of tourism to Scotland. For more information and the latest news visit www.visitscotland.org.

• For more information on things to do during the year of Active Scotland visit www.visitscotland.com/active

• Example ActiVacation packages include;

o West Coast Waters: A 7 night break in Mallaig and the small isles. Accommodation is provided in a self-catering lodge (Sunnyside Lodge) in Arisaig and activities include a full day of Rockhopper Sea Kayaking; a half day white water rafting with Highland Activities. Other suggested activities include cross country mountain biking at Nevis Range and lunch at the Pinemartin Café; a visit to the Glenfinnan monument and a walk to the viaduct; a boat trip from Mallaig to Knoydart for a hill walk, followed by lunch at the Old Forge. Cost: £275 per person (includes accommodation, kayaking and white water rafting).

o Mountain Bike Madness: A weekend break in Fort William and Glen Nevis. Accommodation is provided in the Ben Nevis Inn Bunkhouse and activities include competition entry to the No Fuss Event titled ’10 Under The Ben’ and the evening after party. Other suggested activities include a swim lunch at the Isles of Glencoe Leisure Club. Cost: £66 per person (includes accommodation and race entry)

o Treat The Teenagers: A 7 night break in Glen Spean and the Great Glen. Accommodation is provided in the Riverside Lodges in Spean Bridge and activities include quad biking and gold paintballing with Highland Activities; Canyoning with Vertical Descents; a gondola trip
at Nevis Range; lunch at the Snowgoose Restaurant; a high wire adventure course at Nevis Range. Cost: £355 per person (includes accommodation and all activities).

o Away To the Lodge: A 4 night stay in Fort William and Glen Nevis. Accommodation in Huntingtower Lodge, Fort William and activities include a hike up Ben Nevis with an Abacus Mountaineering Gudie; clay pigeon shooting at Kingairloch Estate; a walk to Steall Falls or Leanachan Forest at Newvis Range; golf at Dragon’s Tooth Golf Course. Cost: £467 per person (includes accommodation and all activities).

o Going Green: A 3 night break in Ardnamurchan. Accommodation is provided in Glenuig Inn in Ardnamurchan and activities include a full day’s sea kayaking with Rockhopper Sea Kayaking. Other suggested activities include an exploration of the Isle of Rum’s Cuillin Range with Wild Adventure. Cost: £185 per person (includes accommodation and sea kayaking).

o Panoramic: A 4 night break in Glen Spean and the Great Glen. Accommodation is provided in the Old Pines Hotel and activities include cycling at Nevis Range; Nevispix Wildlife Photography workshop; a scenic 4x4 safari with Highland Activities; Segways Tour with Glencoe Activities; competition entry to No Fuss Event’s trail half marathon or 5km run. Cost: £395 per person (includes accommodation and all activities).

Businesswomen back project to see disadvantaged youngsters learn from professionals

By Cheryl Livingstone

Published: 08/03/2011, Press and Journal


Two Inverness businesswomen yesterday became the first ambassadors of the UK’s biggest social enterprise hotel, which will offer training opportunities to disadvantaged youngsters.

Freda Newton, managing director of Jacobite Cruises, and Yvonne Crook, owner of View Marketing, also pledged their support for the hotel’s developers as the project moves forward. The £16million hotel, from Albyn Housing and the Calman Trust, is expected to open at the Inverness Campus in 2014 and will be run on social enterprise principles.

It aims to provide guests with four-star accommodation while trainees work alongside qualified staff in every aspect of the business.

Artysans Café, in the city’s Strothers Lane, an early model for the hotel, is open and trading successfully.

Ms Newton said: “The training hotel is a hugely ambitious project that has the potential to transform the lives of the region’s most vulnerable young. In the longer term, the hotel will also benefit the hospitality industry by supplying a pool of qualified professionals.”

She added that she hoped to use her experience in the travel and tourism industry to help Albyn Housing and the Calman Trust to develop the hotel model.

Ms Crook, whose company is involved in marketing and strategy development for tourism organisations, said: “Having visited Artysans and met the young people doing a great job of making it a success, I am excited about becoming an ambassador for the hotel and joining other business leaders to help develop the business plan and make a success of this innovative project for the Highlands and Islands.”

Calum Macaulay, chief executive of Albyn Housing Society, said last night having high-profile businesspeople support them will be invaluable.

Read more: http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/2169047#ixzz1HVuip28b