Invest in Angus

VisitScotland bitesize webinars: importance of international markets
2025-06-19 14:00 - 14:30 UTC
International visitors are vital for your business as you broaden your reach and reduce your risk.
Discover the volume and value that these international markets can bring, with practical tips on how to understand booking behaviours and reach these visitors.

ANGUSalive Exclusive Showcase at Monikie Country Park
2025-06-26 02:30 - 18:00 | Monikie Country Park, Monikie, DD5 3QA
ANGUSalive are holding a showcase event at Monikie Country Park on 26 June, from 2.30pm. Monikie Country Park boasts beautiful woodland and parkland with a variety of things to see and do, including land and water activities, self-led trails, and an adventure play park. This event is an ideal opportunity to find out about the extensive range of experiences on offer for visitors.
What you can expect:

2.30pm: Welcome & Refreshments. An introduction to Countryside Adventure – learn about the extensive range of experiences on offer at Monikie Country Park.
3.00pm: Find out more about our Land-based Activities, including bushcraft & survival skills, cycling, nature walks with one of our Countryside Rangers, and craft workshops.
4.00pm: Discover what water-based activities visitors can enjoy, including paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, and our newest addition – Angus Aqua Splash.
5.00pm: Try it for yourself! Angus Aqua Splash Session (optional); alternatively you could watch the session from shore and enjoy some networking
6.00pm: End

Places are limited, so please RSVP to: Scott Grant – scott.grant@angusalive.scot

Increasing the profitability of your agritourism business
2025-07-02 10:00 - 15:30 | Ernespie Farm, Castle Douglas, DG7 3JG
Join Scotland’s Agritourism Monitor Farms Programme for a talk on how to achieve increased profitability in an agritourism enterprise from Colin McNally, Finance Expert.
We will hear how using data to inform decision making has helped Monitor Farmer, David McMiken, make positive changes to the Ernespie Agritourism business including introducing a new enterprise. We will have a walk around and see first hand the developments that are ongoing.

VisitScotland bitesize webinars: attracting the European visitor
2025-07-03 14:00 - 14:30
Explore the great potential from the European market.
Discover the main inspirations for them booking a holiday to Scotland and how understanding their booking preferences and activities while in Scotland can provide you with a competitive advantage.
Learn how to leverage these insights to refine your marketing strategies.

Going for Green: Accrediting Your Agritourism Sustainability Story
2025-07-08 12:00 - 13:00
Join Scotland’s Agritourism Monitor Farms Programme to to welcome Diane Knight, Client Services Director, from Green Tourism, a world-leading sustainability certification for the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries.
Green Tourism helps businesses embed responsible and environmentally friendly practices that not only reduce impact but also enhance visitor appeal.
In this session, Diane will share how agritourism businesses can work towards Green Tourism accreditation, tell an authentic sustainability story, and turn their green credentials into a competitive advantage.

Launching a Wedding Venue: Lessons Learned & Planning Ahead
2025-07-17 10:00 - 16:00 | Kinclune Estate, Kirkton of Kingoldrum, Forfar, DD8 5HX
Kinclune Estate has recently opened its new wedding venue – hear from Aylwin Pillai as she shares insights from the journey so far, lessons learned along the way, and plans for the future.

VisitScotland bitesize webinars: attracting the North American visitor
2025-07-17 14:00 - 14:30
Unlock the potential of the North American market by understanding the unique characteristics and preferences of these visitors.
This webinar will explore how to reach them through various channels, and the role of distribution partners.
Gain insights into booking behaviours and learn how to tailor your product to meet their expectations.

Engaging with Travel Trade: Developing your Product Sheet
2025-07-22 12:00 - 13:00
Do you want to connect with Travel Trade opportunities and need some support ensuring the information you provide is as effective as possible?
In this webinar of the Agritourism Monitor Farm programme, you will be guided by the experts to create a practical sales tool to help you connect with the travel trade. Cassie McEwan from Visit Scotland will guide you step-by-step through building a simple, two-page product sheet that clearly showcases your agritourism experience.
You will learn what travel trade buyers are really looking for, how to structure your content, and what to include to make your business stand out. By the end, you’ll have a flexible template you can adapt and use—perfect for getting trade-show ready and making a great first impression.

Making Room for Sustainability in Hospitality and Tourism
2025-07-31 15:00 - 16:00
Join us to explore how data is transforming environmental sustainability in the hospitality and tourism sector.
The panel will examine how data is being used to monitor and improve material and water use, reduce waste, meet emissions goals and mitigate biodiversity impact.
As sustainability reporting requirements grow more complex, we will also hear how data can drive compliance, unlock efficiencies, and support long-term environmental goals.

Agritourism Development: A capital project for sustainable rural growth
2025-08-14 10:00 - 15:30 | The Commercial Hotel, 11 Main Street, Balintore, IV20 1UE
This Scotland’s Agritourism Monitor Farms Programme meeting will showcase the progress on the village hotel development by Monitor Farmers, Fiona and John Scott of Fearn Farm.
We will have a walk around the hotel development and hear about the progress to date. We will then convene in the Seaboard Hall for presentations and discussion.
Fiona and John Scott, Monitor Farmers, have been making great progress with the re-development of the hotel and will update us on their business plan, the project timeline and the challenges they have overcome along the way.
Lesley McArthur, Glen Clova Estate Partner, will join us to talk about her experience running a successful rural hotel and restaurant business and will highlight the continuing challenges but also the opportunities for the business. Glen Clova Hotel have recently undertaken a significant developed with a new events space called The Barn which continues their focus on sustainability, local impact with a warm, personal service.

ANGUSalive’s ‘On Stage’ Launch
2025-08-27 18:00 - 20:00 | Webster Memorial Theatre, 64 High Street, Arbroath, DD11 1AW
Join us for an exclusive event at The Webster Memorial Theatre in Arbroath, as we launch our latest ‘On Stage’ brochure, outlining the programme of upcoming performances across ANGUSalive venues.
Discover how your business can take centre stage with us, learn how we can support each other when performances come to town, and connect with other local businesses.
We hope you can join us to find out more about our plans, hear some top tips from businesses who have benefited from past performances, and enjoy a tour of the theatre.
Refreshments will be provided.

Collaborating for change: Growing responsible tourism
2025-09-04 12:00 - 13:00
Effective collaboration can be a route to growing sustainable agritourism through enhanced visitor numbers, unique experiences and improved visibility of your offer.
Jillian McEwan, Agritourism Monitor Farm Core Community Group member will share insights into growing sustainable tourism through collaboration. We will hear about the work of the Lunan Bay Community Group in providing visitor infrastructure in the bay. Highlighted examples will include a collaboration between the Community Group, Arbikie Distillery and Insights Coaches; facilitation of new signage, an all-abilities viewing platform and a community ranger service which all improve the visitor experience to the area.
We will also hear about a new Goat to Garment Tour which Lunan Bay Farm is launching in September in collaboration with partner Johnsons.

VisitScotland bitesize webinars: Introduction to travel distribution
2025-09-04 14:00 - 14:30
Discover how travel distribution can help you reach more potential visitors and grow your business. This session will introduce the key travel distribution partners from tour operators to online travel agents.
Perfect for those new to travel distribution, this webinar offers a clear and simple introduction.

Driving Success in Scotland's Hospitality & Accommodation Sector
2025-09-16 10:30 - 12:00
The hotel market in Scotland has seen mixed performance this year, driven largely by an increase in supply in the capital. While Edinburgh remains a strong market, the growth in hotel stock — alongside a noticeable slowdown in the domestic audience, greater price sensitivity, and a reduction in short-term let accommodation — has created tougher year-on-year comparisons. Other regions across Scotland, however, have continued to perform well, supported by steady demand and major events such as Oasis and AC/DC shows bringing strong peaks in occupancy.
International investors continue to be attracted to the country and are driving an exuberant transactions market, which is set to grow further this year and is seen as a focal point for significant capital deployment.
While the outlook for the strong pipeline of hotels remains positive, particularly in the luxury segment, the industry faces a series of headwinds, including the confirmed tourism levies in Edinburgh (5% for all bookings made for stays from July 2026 onwards, for reservations made from 1st October 2025) and Aberdeen (7% from April 2027), as well as an ongoing skills shortage. These factors are placing pressure on profits and Scotland’s ability to remain competitive as a leading tourist destination.
The Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) is delighted to once again be partnering with HotelPartner, a trusted market leader in revenue management and distribution services for the hospitality and tourism industry, to explore the solutions available to Scottish hoteliers to ensure that the market can continue to thrive.
Whether you operate a luxury hotel, a budget accommodation, a boutique property, or a youth hostel, this webinar will share accessible and actionable advice on tackling challenges such as the skills shortage, optimising performance, and making the most effective use of technology in your operations.

Unlocking the Potential: The Power of Inclusive Marketing
2025-09-17 11:00 - 12:00
Open to all Scottish tourism business.
Join us for an insightful session designed to help you maximise your impact in the inclusive tourism market.
We’ll explore:

Current market insights from Sarah Muir, Product Manager (Abbey UK), a travel intermediary working directly with clients seeking inclusive holiday experiences. Learn what information these customers need to confidently choose your business.
Inclusive marketing in action with expert Carrie-Ann Lightley (Accessible Travel Writer & content creator ), who will share practical tips on how to use photography, content, and messaging to authentically connect with this growing market.
Support tools and resources available through our Business Support Hub to help you implement what you’ve learned and enhance your visibility to inclusive travellers.

This is a valuable opportunity to strengthen your approach and better connect with the inclusive tourism market.

VisitScotland bitesize webinars: How to work with travel distribution partner
2025-09-18 14:00 - 14:30
Get advice on how to pitch your business to a travel distribution partner and create a handy product sheet. Learn how to focus on your key selling points, tailor your message to different audiences, and create variety in your delivery.
Ideal for those looking to start building relationships with travel distribution partners and attend trade events.

Managing people, growing agritourism: Performance and Discipline
2025-09-25 12:00 - 13:00
Employment Law and Human Resource Management Expert, Sophie Henderson of Greenburn will take us through an overview of how to use performance management effectively with your staff to ensure best outcomes. Sophie will also provide information on what to do when things go wrong with insights into the disciplinary process.
If you have specific questions or case studies, it would be great to hear from you in advance and Sophie can answer your questions on the day.

VisitScotland bitesize webinars: How to Improve Your Search Engine Rankings
2025-09-25 14:00 - 14:30
Demystify the world of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and learn how to grow your tourism or event website’s organic search traffic. We’ll cover the SEO basics, common myths and mistakes, as well as how you can adapt your content to the quickly-changing Google landscape.
Ideal for those unfamiliar with SEO or looking to expand their approach.

VisitScotland bitesize webinars: Optimise your website with UX fundamentals
2025-10-16 14:00 - 14:30
Want to make your tourism website easier and more enjoyable for your visitors?
In this introductory UX (User Experience) webinar, you’ll learn simple, practical tips to understand what your users really need, so your site feels welcoming and easy to navigate.
Ideal for tourism businesses looking for an easy introduction to website optimisation.

Using Food Tourism to Power Scotland’s Culinary Identity
2025-10-22 10:00 - 11:00
Scotland’s food and drink are among its greatest assets. And when thoughtfully developed, they can become powerful drivers of economic growth, community pride, and environmental sustainability.
This webinar, based on Crafting Your Taste of Place by Erik Wolf, Executive Director, World Food Travel Association, will explore how food tourism can help your region stand out and thrive.
Tailored to Scotland’s producers, suppliers, and tourism stakeholders, the session offers practical guidance for turning local food culture into unforgettable visitor experiences that benefit businesses and communities alike.
Whether your area is already on the map or emerging, discover how to harness your culinary identity to its full potential.

Employing staff, introducing a manager and building your team
2025-10-23 10:00 - 16:00 | Bowmuir Farm Holidays, Bowmuir Farm, Biggar, ML11 8LX
Join Scotland’s Agritourism Monitor Farms Programme for a talk from Core Community Group members Tom and Sarah Parker as they share their real-world experience of successfully introducing a new manager into their business. Discover what worked, what they learned, and how they made the transition seamless for their staff and customers.
Whether you’re considering hiring your first manager or looking to strengthen your leadership structure, this session offers practical tips on how to employ the right people and build a strong, capable team.

Tay Country Travel Trade Ready: Insights & Action
2025-10-29 13:30 - 18:30
Welcome to Tay Country Travel Trade Ready: Insights & Action event!
Come join us at Malmaison on October 29, 2025 at 13:30pm for an opportunity to gain valuable insights and take actionable steps to enhance your travel trade readiness.
Thank you to everyone who recently completed our survey on how your business is currently engaging with the travel trade, the opportunities you’re looking to explore, and the challenges we can support you with. Your feedback is shaping how we move forward together.
This free-to-attend event is designed to provide practical insights, inspiration, and networking opportunities to help your business strengthen its trade relationships and grow international reach. Spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged.
Outline Agenda
13:30 – 14:00 | Arrival & Networking
Refreshments and informal networking
14:00 – 14:10 | Welcome from Tay Country – Jemma
Introduction & key insights from our recent business survey
14:10 – 14:25 | International Markets – VisitScotland – Lynette McLennan
Opportunities, demand shifts, and how to engage with markets
14:25 – 14:35 | What Happens at Trade Shows – Yvonne Wagoun
Maximising opportunities and preparing effectively
14:35 – 14:45 | Responsible & Sustainable Tourism – VisitScotland – Lynette McLennan
What businesses should be considering now – Quick wins for businesses
14:45 – 14:55 | How an Operator Works – Guest Operator
Insights into what makes businesses “bookable”
14:55 – 15:00 | Package Travel Regulations – VisitScotland / Travlaw – Lynette McLennan
Essentials, do’s & don’ts, and upcoming changes
15:00 – 15:05 | Group Travel Toolkit Launch – Tay Country – Jemma
Overview of the new toolkit
15:05 – 15:20 | Pricing & Commission – Yvonne Wagoun
Commission-ready pricing and operator expectations
15:20 – 15:55 | Practical Takeaway Workshop
Guided exercise: businesses choose one priority action (e.g., adjust pricing with commission, add a sustainability element, or prepare for a trade show)

Speakers circulate to provide tips and answer questions
Each business leaves with a short action to implement straight away

15:55 – 16:00 | Wrap-up & Next Steps
16:00 – 18.30 | Drinks Reception & Dundee Experience Preview

VisitScotland bitesize webinars: creating added value experiences
2025-10-30 14:00 - 14:30
Explore how thoughtful enhancements can generate greater returns through travel distribution.
Unpack what added value really means, highlight ways to elevate your existing product, and show how to present experiences that appeal to partners and high-yield visitors.

ASSC Regional Gathering: “Green is the New Gold”
2025-11-03 13:00 - 17:00 | Albert Halls, Dumbarton Road, Stirling, FK8 2QL
Are you a self-catering operator, industry professional, or associated business in Scotland’s tourism sector? Don’t miss this essential afternoon of networking, knowledge-sharing, and sector-focused exhibitors – tailored specifically for Scotland’s self-catering community.
Hosted by Fiona Campbell MBE, Chief Executive of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC), the Gathering will bring together operators, partners, and policy experts to explore practical, actionable ways to build resilience, embrace responsibility, and shape the future of Scottish tourism.
Expect thought-provoking panels, interactive discussion, and meaningful connections with peers across the sector – all designed to leave you inspired, informed, and ready to take your business forward.
Why Attend?

Understand the policies and regulations shaping Scottish tourism.
Discover actionable steps to become a more responsible and competitive self-catering operator.
Build stronger networks with peers, sector leaders, and suppliers.
Leave with clear, practical takeaways to strengthen your business and prepare for the future.

Reaching the Right People: Understanding your Target Market
2025-11-06 10:00 - 16:00 | Westerton Farmers, Laurencekirk, AB30 1RT
The meeting will take place at Westerton Farm with Monitor Farmers, Fiona Smith and Ross Adamson.
The focus will be on understanding markets and how to reach them along with hearing about progress on the development of a cookery school/demonstration concept at Westerton.

ASVA Annual Conference 2025
2025-11-19 09:00 - 17:00 | Perth Concert Hall, Mill Street, Perth, PH1 5HZ
We’re thrilled to announce that the ASVA Annual Conference 2025 will be returning to Perth Concert Hall on Wednesday 19th November!
Last year’s conference in 2024 was our biggest event yet, welcoming just under 400 delegates from across Scotland’s attractions sector. Attendees came together for an unforgettable day of learning, networking, and inspiration, making it the must-attend event for everyone in the industry.
From dynamic speakers to thought-provoking sessions, the 2024 conference was packed with opportunities to connect, collaborate, and gain valuable insights. We’re already working hard to ensure the 2025 conference is even better – with an exciting programme designed to support and inspire Scotland’s world class visitor attractions.

Regional Event Industry Engagement Workshop: Perthshire
2025-11-26 09:30 - 13:30 | Perth Concert Hall, Mill Street, Perth, PH1 5HZ
This in-person workshop will offer you the chance to:

receive key event industry updates
share best practice
network and exchange experiences

Please note there is no charge to attend, but you do need to register in advance.

Scottish Agritourism Conference 2025
2025-11-27 09:00 - 17:00 | Perth Concert Hall, Mill Street, Perth, PH1 5HZ
The Scottish Agritourism conference is an annual celebration of our sector, open to anyone with an interest in growing agritourism in Scotland including our members, farmers considering agritourism, economic development agencies, destination marketing organisations, local and national government representatives, suppliers to the sector and sector supporters.
The 2025 Scottish Agritourism Conference will take place on Thursday 27 November at Perth Concert Hall.

VisitScotland Business Essentials Bitesize Webinars: leisure visitor trends
2025-11-27 14:00 - 14:30
Stay ahead of the curve.
This session explores current and emerging trends in leisure travel – from changing visitor motivations to new booking behaviours – and how your business can adapt to meet evolving customer expectations.

Events Industry Development Webinar - Emergency Services & Events
2025-11-27 14:00 - 15:00
Learn about the role the emergency services play in events with representatives from Police Scotland, Scottish Fire & Rescue Service, and the Scottish Ambulance Service.
They will review services provided at recent summer events, and update you on future plans.
There will also be an opportunity for questions and feedback.
