The Spirit of the Highlands and Islands 360 degree immersive portal experience has been declared a ‘big hit’ with visitors to the North Coast Visitor Centre this October school Holidays.
The Spirit of the Highlands and Islands project is a partnership project between The Highland Council and High Life Highland, and is delivered in collaboration with VisitScotland.
The Spirit of the Highlands and Islands project will encourage visitors to explore and experience the more remote and rural parts of the Highlands and Islands, as well as inspiring them to attend and support festivals and events, workshops, visitor attractions and outdoor locations across the area.
Chair of the Caithness Committee of The Highland Council, Cllr Ron Gunn, who came along to the North Coast Visitor Centre to experience the portal, said:
“I am a great believer in promoting tourism and introducing people to the delights of our area. Through the use of film, the portal transports you through a showcase of off-the-beaten track locations throughout the Highlands and Islands using impressive technology. It offers a unique platform to interact with visitors and communities on a new level allowing them to explore the vast elements and culture that our region have on offer. Having spoken with many visitors at the North Coast Visitor Centre today, it really has been a big hit here in Caithness.”
High Life Highland Board member, Ken Nicol, said:
“The charity was delighted to host the immersive portal at the North Coast Visitor Centre during the October break, offering a different way to see and experience all that the Highlands and Islands have to offer. The immersive portal experience gives a taste of all that our area has to offer, encouraging everyone to find out more about the nature and culture of the entire Highlands and Islands area.”
Richard McCarthy, Museum Assistant at the North Coast Visitor Centre said:
“We have welcomed lots of visitors over throughout the October holidays, with many children returning multiple times to visit the immersive portal. The experience has universal appeal with visitors recounting memories of places they have visited and families experiencing the joy of wildlife and snowstorms in the slower paced film. Everyone has been suitably impressed and we look forward to having the portal back here next year.”
The Spirit of the Highlands and Islands project is part of the Inverness Castle project which is supported by the Inverness and Highland City Region Deal, a joint initiative supported by up to £315m investment from the UK and Scottish governments, The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and University of the Highlands and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.
The Spirit of the Highlands and Islands is supported by a grant from the Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund (NCHF) led by NatureScot and funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Reflecting the Spirit of the Highlands and Islands theme, it will encourage people to visit all parts of the Highlands and Islands in a sustainable way.
