Andrew Case Andrew, a resident of Galloway since 1974, has over 15 years experience in the hotel and leisure industry situated in both Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders. Following a successful period running the Laurie Arms Hotel in the Haugh of Urr he purchased the Urr Valley Hotel in Castle Douglas where a large number of rooms demanded constant marketing and forward thinking to encourage guests all year round.

Functions, especially weddings, played a large part of the business during the high season but the off season needed additional input. Andrew created a sporting agency that promoted and packaged country pursuits in the area which still accommodates visitors from all over Europe accounting for some 1000 bed nights per year.

In 1999 he purchased The Clachan Inn in St Johns Town of Dalry, a village Inn closed for some two years. With the assistance of Scottish Enterprise the Inn was completely refurbished and has remained popular with locals and holiday makers ever since.

Dalry brought new challenges including the Southern Upland Way and following Foot and Mouth www.southernuplandway.com was created and now encourages visitors from as far a field as Australia as well as offering information on walking throughout the region to UK residents.

Technology and the use of Broadband has opened up new opportunities for the tourism industry, it was important to acknowledge this and to use it to it’s best advantage. In 2003 Andrew sold the Clachan Inn to concentrate solely of promoting tourism in southern Scotland.

“Our strategy for the future development of our tourism industry must be based on a clear understanding of changes that are taking place in world tourism; on an appreciation of what Southern Scotland has to offer: and on the views of those within the industry itself"

Rachel Lane Prior to working for visitsouthernscotland.com, Rachel spent a year working as a junior consultant for MZA Consultants Ltd before undertaking a freelance research project for a wearable computing firm in Stockholm. Rachel has a First Class Honours BSc in Marketing and Multimedia Applications and has worked with a number of start-up companies, including several technology businesses developed at British Telecom.

Rachel has dual interests in design and technology and holds additional qualifications in both art and engineering.

Recommendations so far:
“The majority of Dumfries and Galloway has such a beautiful coastline. I’m often the only person on the beach and even in bad weather the scenery is always stunning; alternating between serene beauty and dramatic splendour. Some of the forest trails, whether you walk or cycle them are also breathtaking, especially when you can pack a little height into your route and can take advantage of the views. The Borders is popular walking country. All of the towns are geared up to offer tourists a warm welcome. If you’re travelling from the south, both the A68 and A7 offer superb views of the landscape.”

Have my eye on:
“Although I’ve seen sections of the route – I have still yet to walk the entire Southern Upland Way and feel I ought to practise what I preach! Haven’t yet done mountain biking at Drumlanrig Castle or the 7 Stanes mountain biking section at Innerleithen … once I’ve done that, I’d like to squeeze in some tank driving and make my own ice-cream at Cream O’Galloway! Corrr!”