Biosphere scoops nature tourism award

GALLOWAY’S biosphere has won a national award at the RSPB Scotland’s Nature of Scotland Award.

The awards recognise individuals and organisations making a difference across communities, schools, and businesses to support Scotland’s wildlife and natural environment.

Over 50 finalists from all over Scotland gathered at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre last Thursday to celebrate with hosts BBC Springwatch presenter Iolo Williams and BBC Scotland Landward presenter Arlene Stuart.

The UNESCO site won the nature tourism award for its ‘Biosphere Experiences’, tours and self-guided discoveries that connect visitors with nature, history and culture in the region.

Ed Forrest, director of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, said: “What an incredible honour to have won the Nature Tourism category in this year’s Nature of Scotland Awards!

“On behalf of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership’s trustees and officer team I’d like express our pride and absolute delight. We are a small charity covering a vast and amazing region – south-west Scotland’s UNESCO Biosphere – working with local businesses, social enterprise and our rural communities to ensure tourism is a force for good.

“We will take the Nature of Scotland Award as inspiration to continue finding new and creative ways to deliver fantastic Biosphere Experiences that centre our world class natural heritage.”