Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 19 April 2000 For Use: Immediately

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is advertising this week for a Marketing/PR professional to capitalise on the TV Programme 'Castaway 2000' as a means of raising national awareness of the positive qualities of the Western Isles as a place to work and live and as a holiday destination.

The Comhairle has agreed, in view of the nation-wide audience potential of the series, to fund the marketing and public relations initiative on a short contract basis. The aim is to maximise the potential economic impact of 'Castaway 2000' for the Western Isles.

As well as rasing awareness of the islands, the project will assess the impact of the series on the Western Isles economy in terms of visitor interest and visitor numbers. There will also be a remit to encourage ongoing positive media interest in the Western Isles aimed at attracting increased tourism and inward investment to the islands.

Cllr. Donald Maclean, Chairman of Development Services, said:

"There is undoubtedly a unique opportunity over the forthcoming year for the islands and it is vital that we maximise the economic benefits. Interest in the islands is at an all time high and hopefully we will be able to turn that to the advantage of the people of the islands. We have a unique opportunity to market what is a unique product - The Western Isles".

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer