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Getting going for the Olympic Games

The Dunnet Head B&B, self catering and campsite at Dunnet Head, the most northerly point of the UK mainland, had its busiest year ever in 2010, increasing revenue by 15%. Being the most northerly point has its definite advantage, and the promontory even has its own voluntary sector organisation, the Dunnet Head Educational Trust, a registered Scottish charity, which helps promote the whole area, and not just the Head. Quality of service has always been the buzz word when developing projects and welcoming guests. The information shelter at the base of the Head is regularly updated with information, and there is a seal viewing platform and plenty of bird life, as well as opportunities for walking, cycling and fishing. The Wild Scotland association dubbed it “Caithness in Miniature” and a “Wildlife Gem”.
Brian Sparks who operates the accommodation provision says that a good breakfast is what most bed & breakfast customers want, and he certainly serves up a feast. Self catering customers prefer peace and quiet, and despite the on site camp site, there is privacy and tranquillity to enjoy the area. There is a camp shop and mini information centre to help customers decide on what they want to do on a day to day basis. The whole operation is run by 2 personnel, but staff is contracted in as necessary, especially in the busy periods.
The Trust runs exhibitions about WWII history in various locations, the latest one being in Aberdeen Central Library. It was part of the International Year of Biodiversity in 2010 and will sign up for the International Year of Forestry and International Year of Chemistry in 2011.
Tina Irving is the convenor of the local tourism association, North of Scotland Hospitality (NOSH) and the Counties of Caithness & Sutherland are looking forward to welcoming guests to the area pre and post Olympic Games. The group has already started to plan for 2011 with a number of exciting events. There is even a Virtual Trail north to encourage people to travel north.
Top Tips
• Travel to the far north is easy – by plane, car or ferry to Scrabster or Gills Bay. You can even measure your carbon footprint on the virtual trail.
• Walking and wildlife watching are top of the agenda in this far flung corner.
• Collaborative and networking off in the long run.
LetsgoNorth

Lets go North challenge on Geovation

How can we improve transport in Britain
1. Idea Summary (in a nutshell)
Focussing on the London Olympic Games 2012 and sustainable tourism, travel from the Olympic Stadium in London to the most northerly point on the UK mainland. Users have to prove their route through some of the most remote and rural parts of England and Scotland, through Northampton, Hull, Newcastle, Lothian, Aberdeenshire, Moray, East Sutherland to Caithness. Users would be able to calculate their carbon footprint on line. Facilities in each area would be highlighted - eg walking, cycling etc.

2. How would this work? Users would log their details through Google Latitude, and a dedicated web page. Transport tickets would be presented and examined at the organising body at Dunnet Head and an overall prize given. The organisers would be able to track participants on line, so a two way communication would be possible.

3. Please explain how your idea could have the potential to improve transport in Britain? By highlighting that such a journey is possible, and feedback any bottle necks and difficulties in timetabling en route.

4. What practical steps are required to realise your idea? Dedicated web site build, identification of facilities in each area, feedback mechanism.

5. Stage of progress (Idea/Work in progress/Complete) :

We have built a blog which incorporates Open Data and are working through the route.

https://www.geovation.org.uk/challenge/

The Virtual Trail focusses on sustainable tourism

The principles of sustainable tourism can be seen at the Global Development Research centre - see http://www.gdrc.org/uem/eco-tour/eco-sust.html

Getting to Dunnet Head, the most northerly point of the UK mainland by public transport

The Virtual Trail

The virtual trail goes through some of the remote and beautiful areas of England and Scotland - keep an eye on this blog for updates.

Focussing on walking, fishing, and outdoor activities, businesses in each area will be able to buy into the trail.