North Ayrshire Council is set to launch an extensive marketing campaign to raise the area’s profile as a key sailing and watersports destination in the west of Scotland.

The ‘Set Sail’ campaign, which will target sailors from across Scotland, Northern Ireland, Yorkshire and the South of England, aims to increase the number of visiting boats to the area and encourage visitors to experience the tourism facilities on land.

Council Leader David O’Neill commented: “In North Ayrshire we have an abundance of assets which contribute to a quality sailing destination and can offer some of the best sailing in Europe. We have large areas of sheltered water, stunning scenery, beautiful islands to discover and superb marinas and moorings up and down our coastline. People from across the UK, western Europe and even as far afield as America come to sail in and around North Ayrshire. Through the Set Sail campaign we want to encourage more sailing enthusiasts to discover North Ayrshire which will impact positively on our tourism and local economy.”

A concentrated marketing and advertising campaign will run for four months in the target areas, with ongoing promotion for the longer term.

Alex Anderson, Head of North Ayrshire Council’s Economic Development Services said: “The total value of Scottish marine leisure is £250 million, with the economic benefit within the Clyde just over £80 million. By increasing the sailing and associated marine leisure market in North Ayrshire, we will be safeguarding existing jobs in the marine industry and creating new ones, generating increased income for local businesses and tourism attractions and raising awareness of the area as a location for inward investment.”

The Council is dedicated to working in partnership with local investors to develop maritime leisure facilities in North Ayrshire. Full details of investment opportunities can be found on the Set Sail website www.setsail-northayrshire.co.uk or contact Kathleen Don on 01294 225 193/kdon@north-ayrshire.gov.uk