In what can be considered a sign of the times, tourist bosses have decided it’s time for new signs.
In a bid to cater to social media users and devotees of Instagram, a new map of Uist in the Outer Hebrides features guides on where to get the best scenic photograph or background for a selfie.
The limited-edition document of Uist in the Outer Hebrides embodies the ‘hands-on’ character of an old school map with its traditional layout and trusted grid reference points - but with a modern-day twist.
The new Insta-friendly symbol has been created to sit alongside the traditional ‘place of worship’ and ‘museum’ symbols usually found on tourist guides.
The map points out 'Insta-spots'
Resourceful islanders, along with social media insight, have identified the most ‘Instagrammable’ places on the islands to help tourists seek out the ‘must snap’ picture spots.
READ MORE: North and South Uist try to cash in on tourist boom
Created by CalMac Ferries and Outer Hebrides Tourism, the map pinpoints the top 10 'Insta-worthy' beauty spots throughout Uist, such as Kildonan in South Uist, a 20-mile long sandy beach, and the remote Eriskay Football Pitch for people to capture the very best shots for their social feeds.
Drawn up ahead of the 2019 tourist season, the adventure-scale map, designed in all-weather waterproof fabric to withstand the occasional Hebridean shower, will help social media devotees discover just why Uist is a must-see destination this year.
Andrew Macnair, Head of Marketing at CalMac Ferries said: “The Outer Hebrides are a photographer’s paradise and an influencer’s dream, and this viral popularity continues to increase as globetrotters share pictures on social media of their adventures on the islands.
"Uist however is a hidden gem, with powder-white beaches, untouched natural landscapes and vibrant crofting communities steeped in traditional Gaelic culture, often overlooked as tourists flock to the likes of Harris and Lewis.
READ MORE: Scotland’s 10 best cosy retreats
“We know that Instagram matters to today’s tourist and we also know that travellers love a traditional map. Our new style version makes it easy for visitors – pinpointing a real eclectic mix of views and landscapes and moreover making them easily identifiable through our new social symbol.”
Robert McKinnon, Chief Executive of Outer Hebrides Tourism added: “The popularity of the Outer Hebrides has grown considerably in recent years, with 218,000 people now visiting annually from throughout the world.
“Social media has put the islands on the map, with so many Insta-friendly locations on our doorstep. We look forward to welcoming visitors to Uist and seeing Instagram feeds fill with snapshots of their adventures on the islands.”
READ MORE: From battling geese to collecting seaweed - life is tough for South Uist’s hardy crofters
Two maps will be rolled out in the coming weeks and will be available on CalMac ferries to the islands.
Both were designed and made by Hampshire-based SplashMaps using Ordnance Survey’s familiar Landranger style of map.
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