Television viewers in Japan are to get a peek at Perthshire when Pitlochry takes a starring role in a travel programme to be broadcast next month.
With an estimated audience of eight million watching Niji Iro Jean, which airs on the Japan Nationwide Network on May 2, the hope is that it will inspire people to come to Scotland.
As well as meeting staff at the Pitlochry VisitScotland Information Centre, the crew’s itinerary included stops at local attractions such as Blair Athol Distillery, Edradour Distillery, Heathergems, MacDonald’s Bros Butcher and Blair Castle.
One particular point of interest for the team was to film outside Dundarach Hotel.
Built from 1863 onwards, the historic building boasts Japanese style gardens and was also visited by Japanese writer Soseki Natsume.
Considered to be the Charles Dickens of Japan, Natsume stayed at the hotel and even went on to write a poem about his visit.
Niji Iro Jean, which is a reference to the programme’s mascot Rainbow Colour Jean, is a live variety show on Saturday mornings which focuses on various projects for the whole family to enjoy.
Jim Clarkson, VisitScotland regional partnerships director, welcomed the international exposure for Highland Perthshire. “We were delighted to be able to assist the film crew on their trip to Pitlochry,” he said.
“It’s exciting to think that people on the other side of the world may just be discovering Perthshire for the very first time.
“We have many fantastic things to see and do from stunning scenery and rich history, to mouth-watering food and drink and awe-inspiring attractions. Of course, for Japan’s many whisky lovers you can also enjoy a dram at our distilleries.
“With research showing 40% of visitors to the UK are inspired to come here after seeing it on film or on television, programmes such as this provide a real opportunity for Scotland.
“If even a tiny fraction of Niji Iro Jean viewers are inspired to come visit us on the back of watching the show then that will make a real impact on tourism in the region.”