Issued: 30 August 2010
Star Billing for Pictavia
One of the top visitor attractions in Angus is celebrating retaining a coveted four star rating from VisitScotland.
Pictavia, based at the Brechin Castle Centre, has been a four star visitor attraction since joining the VisitScotland Quality Accreditation Scheme in 2004.
In its report, VisitScotland said it was encouraging that the attraction is well visited by many individuals and groups, with several overseas nationalities being catered for.
The report added: "The facilities continue to be of a high standard and presentation is excellent. The staff are excellent with comprehensive orientation offered in terms of allowing visitors to appreciate the contents of the centre, and additional advice provided on how visitors may get the most out of their visit to other Pictish sites of interest. It was encouraging to hear about the availability of pre-booked guided tours which will be appreciated by many and in particular, school groups can benefit greatly from this provision."
Councillor David May, Angus Council's tourism spokesman, said: "I am delighted that Pictavia has retained its four star rating. This is very good quality assurance rating from an independent organisation. Tourism is a very important part of the local economy, so it's good to know that Pictavia is highly regarded by others in the tourism trade. Pictavia is important in bringing people into the Angus area and it is also intended to encourage people to stay longer in Angus by interesting them in the other Pictish stones in the area."
An all-weather attraction which is open throughout the year, Pictavia tells the fascinating story of the Picts through a mixture of interactive exhibits, original artefacts and replicas.
Pictavia continues to be a popular visitor attraction, with 2009 visitor numbers up 14% on the previous year. Together with the adjoining VisitScotland Information Centre, it provides a gateway for tourists coming into Angus, and also provides a hub for the Pictish Trail - a network of 12 sites of Pictish significance across Angus.
Statistics show a high percentage of visitors are from outwith Angus - 90% and 74% respectively in 2008 and 2009.
Angus Council recently unveiled a £50,000 programme of work to improve the entrance area to Pictavia which will take place over the winter, with completion in February 2011.