A photo of Findhorn beach has been highlighted by VisitScotland as one of the most-liked on their Instagram account in 2021.
And others of the wider Moray area has also getting hearts with their quirky angles and smashing skies.
The image of the sun setting on Findhorn Beach, which was captured by travel photographer and tourism ambassador Claire Ferguson, attracted almost 24,000 likes.Â
Her Instagram accounts @alittlebitofclaire and @alittlebitofscotland feature pictures of her travels all over Scotland and this pic of the serene view through the wooden staircase that leads down to the beach resonated with people all over the world.
Claire lives with Edinburgh with her two children and her partner, who is originally from the area, and has a family cottage in Findhorn, so is well-placed to capture the location when the light is at its best.
She said: “I call it my place of calm. It’s just one of those places you visit and instantly feel at home and at peace. Everyone is really lovely and the village is filled with amazing people and businesses. It’s stunning, what’s not to love?”.
Beautiful scenes
A picture of Elgin Cathedral scored highly on the VisitScotland social channel.
It shows Elgin Cathedral as the light shines through its medieval buildings on a bright and sunny day and was captured by @scottjamespryde and received more than 27,000 likes when it was shared on VisitScotland’s Instagram account.
And a view of Bow Fiddle Rock by @stuartmckayphotography attracted more than 22,000.
Between January 2021 and January 2022, VisitScotland’s Instagram reached people over 183 million times with 460 user-generated posts. The channel plays an important role in keeping Scotland front of mind and inspiring potential visitors during the global pandemic.
Scotland is calling
VisitScotland launched its global marketing campaign Scotland is Calling last year, aimed specifically at overseas visitors who, research suggests, spend longer planning and researching their trips.
Caroline Warburton, VisitScotland Regional Leadership Director, said: “Whether it is the history and heritage or the stunning scenery and coastline, Moray Speyside is a fantastic source of inspiration for photographers and these images have captured some of the many reasons visitors are drawn to the region.
“VisitScotland’s social media channels have played an important role in the last two years in continuing to keep Scotland front of mind and offering inspiration to our global audiences. We know there is pent-up demand for travel and we want to ensure that we inspire potential visitors with what Scotland has to offer and make it their first-choice destination when they can travel. 
“Our marketing activity reflects our drive to attract visitors to Scotland throughout the year. By adopting a regional and geographic approach, we are showcasing the diversity that Scotland has to offer and ensuring that tourism brings benefits to communities right across the country”
Laurie Piper, CEO of Visit Moray Speyside, said: “We are not at all surprised to see so many great images of Moray Speyside featuring in VisitScotland’s feeds. Social media plays an increasingly important part in inspiring visitors to choose their next destination, and the three selected here show some of our region’s best-known and loved tourism highlights at their best.”