Scottish tourism aims to cash in on new Disney film Brave

VISITSCOTLAND was launching its biggest ever global tourism campaign today as First Minister Alex Salmond attended the release of the new Disney film Brave.

The world premiere of the Disney/Pixar animation – which features the voice of Elgin-born star Kevin McKidd – was set to take place today in Los Angeles.

Mr Salmond was also holding meetings with senior politicians and businessmen in California, focusing on innovation, tourism and jobs.

He was telling them Scotland is a “land of major opportunity” for investment.

The Scottish government estimates the release of Brave, the tale of a feisty Highland princess, could boost the economy by up to £140m.

The premiere brings together Disney/Pixar and tourism agency VisitScotland, who are collaborating on a marketing campaign to showcase Scotland across the world.

Pixar even shot footage at Stonehaven’s Dunnottar Castle to help promote the new film.

Mr Salmond said he hoped the film would enthuse people about visiting Scotland.

He added: “It is going to give everybody a really warm glow when they think about Scotland.

“So for the people who know about Scotland already it will reinforce the image – and for the people who don’t know, or have never heard about Scotland, it will give them a great introduction.”

“What we have to do is make sure all these people say ‘I’d like to go and see the real thing’.

“We’ve got to make sure we live up to the great depiction of Scotland.”