Irn Bru's appeal helps to bring Russians to Scotland

Published on Thursday 19 November 2009 09:13

IRN-BRU-loving Russians have been enjoying the very best of what Edinburgh has to offer on the back of a marketing drive to highlight Scotland.

Scotland's most famous soft drink, VisitScotland and Visit Britain have joined forces to highlight Scotland on bottles sold overseas and giving drinkers the chance to win a trip to Scotland.

The promotion appeared on two million bottles of the drink, and required people to register a unique code found under the bottle cap. Eighteen won trips to Scotland.

Apex Waterloo, Ramada Edinburgh Mount Royal Hotel, Hotel Du Vin and The Roxburghe Hotel were all showcased during the two separate trips as well as city-based tour companies Highland Experience Tours and Rabbie's Trail Burners Ltd.

Russians are among Scotland's highest spending visitors and as a key emerging market will have an increased importance to the tourism industry.

Sinead Feltoe, VisitScotland regional director said: "Within the Russian market our research shows that visitors favour luxury and high-end products and that our breathtaking scenery, fascinating history and unique culture appeals to them."