Wednesday May 23rd 2018
Clara Wilson (age 4) and Jack Macvie (age 3) both from Stow launching the Beyond Edinburgh pass at historic Abbotsford House in the Scottish Borders.
The Beyond Edinburgh sightseeing pass includes entry to several of the regions’ top visitor attractions including Abbotsford House, the former home of Sir Walter Scott; and 15th Century Rosslyn Chapel and can be used from 21st May.
Available to buy online, the mobile-friendly pass has been introduced to increase the number of day visits and overnight trips taken to the regions by those living in or visiting Edinburgh throughout summer and autumn
Launched by Midlothian and Borders Tourism Action Group (MBTAG), the Beyond Edinburgh pass is the latest in a number of new initiatives by the tourism group and provides visitors with a total saving of over £20 per adult on participating attractions. The pass also comes with savings on food, drink and retail venues across the regions.
Commenting on the launch, MBTAG project manager Jemma Reid said:
“We hope that this new pass will encourage visitors and locals alike to make the most of the easy opportunity to travel from the city to experience picture postcard backdrops, fascinating history and the unique attractions of Midlothian and the Scottish Borders.
“For a fixed price the Beyond Edinburgh pass is great value and provides access to a host of attractions, either over one day or two, between May and October. Planning days out with the family and friends this summer and autumn couldn’t be easier – buy passes online, hop on the Borders Railway or drive a few miles south and begin exploring the South East of Scotland.”
MBTAG was set up to capitalise on the tourism boost delivered by the opening of the Borders Railway and is backed by Scottish Enterprise and Borders Railway Blueprint partners including Scottish Borders Council, Midlothian Council, VisitScotland, Midlothian Tourism Forum and Scottish Borders Tourism Partnership.
The Beyond Edinburgh pass costs from £24 per adult and £10 per child, and can be used until 31 October 2018. A number of accommodation partners are available on the Beyond Edinburgh website for those purchasing a two day pass and who intend to stay overnight.
VisitScotland regional leadership director Paula Ward said:
“Scotland’s reputation as a quality destination relies on continued investment and innovation to ensure that current provision meets future demand. The launch of the Beyond Edinburgh pass is just one in a number of innovations and investments the industry has made to capture the hearts and minds of visitors.
“It is fantastic to see so many businesses working together and showing a real commitment to further enhancing the tourism offering along the railway corridor. The Beyond Edinburgh pass will encourage visitors to Edinburgh and locals alike to take the opportunity to visit many of the unique sites and visitor attractions in the Scottish Borders and Midlothian. From the home of Sir Walter Scott to the home of butterflies and reptiles, there really is something for everyone to enjoy.
“The Borders Railway has been a phenomenal success ever since it was re-opened more than two years ago. From the momentous re-opening by HM The Queen to the return of steam trains to the historic line last summer, the spotlight continues to shine on the Scottish Borders and Midlothian.”
ScotRail Alliance Tourism Manager Alasdair Smart added:
“Since opening, the Borders Railway has been a massive success, opening up a wealth of tourism opportunities for the region. The new Beyond Edinburgh pass is a fantastic example of businesses and organisations working together to unlock those opportunities.
“Tourism is a key economic sector in Scotland and we recognise the critical role we play in it. Supporting tourism, businesses and local communities is a key part of our plan to build the best railway that Scotland has ever had.”
Beyond Edinburgh includes access to Midlothian attractions: Rosslyn Chapel, Butterfly and Insect World and the National Mining Museum Scotland. In the Scottish Borders attractions include: Abbotsford House, Trimontium Roman Museum and Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour.
A number of local offers and savings for restaurants and retailers across the regions are also included in the pass, along with discounted entry to Arniston House in Midlothian and Dryburgh and Melrose Abbey in the Scottish Borders.
The pass can be purchased at beyondedinburgh.co.uk and at VisitScotland iCentres at Edinburgh Waverley, Jedburgh and Peebles.
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