Local voice stars in tourism campaign to bring more visitors to the Borders

Amanda Domin who lives and works in Selkirk has offered her local dialect to a major tourism radio campaign that is running over the next two months. Amanda who hails from Selkirk has lived and worked all of her life in the region and currently works for tourism body VisitScotland.

She was selected by the organisation to help broadcast the region's tourism credentials people living south of the Border as part of VisitScotland's local Explore Scotland campaign.

Amanda's friendly Scottish Borders accent will be used over a three week period on English radio stations, Real Radio North East and Smooth Radio North East.

The advert encourages visitors to get active with walking on the Borders Abbey Way walk, view the world's only silver staircase at Manderston House, scenic cycling routes, intriguing red squirrels and leaping spring salmon.

As part of VisitScotland's Explore Scotland campaign, Amanda will "help point you in the right direction" encouraging listeners to log onto www.visitscottishborders.com/explore and request a destination guide.

The regional radio adverts, which promote a theme of Natural Wonders, are part of a wider print and online campaign developed by the national tourism agency for the Year of Natural Scotland 2013 and use local voices for local flavour and authenticity.

Paula McDonald, Regional Director for VisitScotland said: "For this particular Explore Scotland campaign that promotes the Scottish Borders this Spring we wanted people with their native tongue to highlight local places to visit during the Year of Natural Scotland. Scotland has a range of interesting, local accents and this campaign very much targets people who are looking for ideas for a staycation this year.

"We know from research that having an authentic experience and being offered value for money are two very important considerations for our visitors and that they enjoy hearing local accents so Amanda was a perfect choice!"