MILLIONS of breakfast TV viewers in the US woke up to the sights and sounds of the Borders this week as part of a campaign to promote the region to American tourists.
The team from NBC's The Today Show travelled to Duns Castle for the live broadcast on Monday, March 13.
The American morning news and talk programme is one of the top two national morning shows in the US.
The live feature was a massive coup for Scottish tourism with hosts Sheinelle Jones and Al Roker travelling to Scotland to present the live segment along with London-based NBC correspondent Keir Simmons.
VisitScotland Regional Director Doug Wilson said: “This is an amazing opportunity to shine the spotlight on Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders for their American audience.
“We know that a fascination with Scotland exists for many people living in the US, especially through their ancestors and family links.
“With 40 per cent of visitors to the UK inspired to come here after seeing a location on film or on television, a major US morning talk show being shot on location in Scotland carried huge potential benefits for the tourism industry.
“We hope that Americans waking up to the stunning fairytale location and amazing scenery around Duns Castle, not to mention the sight of the Shetland ponies and horse and carriage, will be inspired to follow in NBC’s footsteps and make the most of the opportunities on offer as part of the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology and make the journey for themselves.”
Aline Hay of Duns Castle said: “Guests to Duns Castle are promised a unique and special experience within a beautiful part of the Scottish Borders and we hope that many viewers in the US will feel inspired to enjoy their holidays in castle after watching Today on NBC.”
Today Show host Sheinelle Jones (left) and London-based NBC correspondent Keir Simmons (right) broadcast in front of Duns Castle on Monday, March 13
Duns Castle, originally a Border fighting tower founded in 1320, sits on the outskirts of the market town of Duns and is soon to celebrate its 700th anniversary.
The Hay family have owned the castle for three centuries which is available for weddings, events and exclusive use stays for guests to enjoy a wide range of activities from clay pigeon shooting to fishing, falconry and archery.
The most recent filming by NBC's Today Show comes after VisitScotland successfully secured several spots on the TV network featuring World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow and Ben Fogle exploring Perthshire in 2012.
For more information, visit www.visitscotland.com/info/accommodation/duns-castle-p182271
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