Published in Scotland Magazine Issue 26 on 21/04/2006.

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Natural tourism is kicking up a storm

Scotland is experiencing a new fast growing tourism trend as storm watchers flock to the country’s best vantage points to take in some of the world’s best natural spectacles.

And the Banffshire Coastal Tourism Partnership is harnessing the tourist potential, drawing inspiration from its American counterparts who for some years have been cashing in on the appeal of a good storm.

With a microclimate that is unique to the area, the Banffshire coast has historically been a hotbed of spectacular storms. Extracts from the Banffshire Journal dating back to 1896 can be found detailing awesome local storms and the many shipwrecks that came as a result.

Karen Crowe of the Banffshire Coastal Tourism Partnership says, “There are many vantage points in around Banffshire where you have a clear view out to sea, you can see a storm riding in on the clouds and giant waves begin pounding the shore – it is a beautiful and heart racing experience.”

More courageous storm watchers can enjoy a front row seat, donning wet weather gear and heading to one of the sandy beaches in Banffshire like Cullykhan, which has sea-cave formations, one of which is named Hell’s Lum because when a storm is blowing it is said that you can hear the voices of 1000 drowned sailors.

Karen continues, “When the storm has passed, many people enjoy the aftermath, strolling along the local beaches to discover what weird and wonderful things have been washed onto the shore.”.....

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By Sally Toms

Section : In the news

Page number : 9