VisitScotland today gave UK holidaymakers more reasons to enjoy a domestic break with the launch of Real Scotland � The Locals� Guide. Proving there is always more to discover beyond the most popular tourist attractions, Real Scotland reveals the best insider tips, hidden gems and off-the-beaten track Scotland experiences. Budget-savvy travellers can order a copy FREE (retail value �6.95) by registering with www.visitscotland.com/real

Real Scotland is the ideal compact travel companion. No larger than a passport, it slots easily into a handbag, rucksack or glove compartment. Bite-sized local anecdotes covering all regions of Scotland feature on colourful post-it notes and categories such as �Worth a Look�, �Unmissable� and �Hidden Secrets� offer a refreshing and engaging read � perfect for dipping into on the move (whether taking the world�s shortest 2 minute scheduled flight between Scottish islands or searching for the public garden you can only reach by boat). Real Scotland offers something for everyone:

o Super sleuths will discover where a bored viking once carved his name on a stump of stone whilst bold adventurers may prefer to tick off Britain�s collection of �most northerlies�.

o Unusual Top 10�s from local experts add an authentic flavour from Fishermen�s Best Fish & Chip Shops and Pub Musicians� Favourite Haunts to Stonemasons� Favourite Buildings and Rangers� Wildlife Hotspots.

o Test your knowledge with some unusual facts and figures such as where did the word �caddie� originate from and how many times did Berwick-upon-Tweed change hands between England and Scotland between 1296 & 1492 (13!)

o Scotland is in a celebratory mood next year with its first ever year of Homecoming � created and timed to mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scotland�s national poet, Robert Burns. A country-wide programme of events spotlighted in Real Scotland gives visitors more reasons to return during 2009.

o Real Scotland includes a handful of listings for accommodation and attractions letting you into a few secrets of their own as well as a full directory of Visitor Information Centres in Scotland where visitors can go to pick up even more local tips from the experts.

Real Scotland � The Locals� Guide is a limited edition and only available to order from www.visitscotland.com/real whilst stocks last. Describing Real Scotland, Kathryn Macdonald, Product Manager at VisitScotland said: �We wanted to give visitors a tool to discover more of Scotland even if they have come many times before. From Portsoy�s traditional Small Boats Festival to the best place to spot otters, Real Scotland is crammed with inspiring fresh ideas and a touch of humour, which I�m sure readers will enjoy.�

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Note to editors � VisitScotland is Scotland�s national tourism organisation. Its core purpose is to maximise the economic benefit of tourism to Scotland. � For VisitScotland�s press releases go to http://www.visitscotland.org/media_centre.htm � For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and latest event news visit www.EventScotland.org � For Scottish tourism statistics go to http://www.visitscotland.org/research_and_statistics.htm � For frequently asked questions go to http://www.visitscotland.org/about_us/faqs.htm � For holiday information on Scotland go www.visitscotland.com � Homecoming Scotland 2009 is a year long celebration of Scottish culture, heritage and some of the many great contributions Scotland has given the world www.homecomingscotland2009.com

For more information and images contact: Liz Bourke 0203 189 2091 / 07785 950609 Liz.bourke@visitscotland.com