A CONSERVATION charity was celebrating yesterday after its new Hebridean Whale Trail became a finalist in the New National Treasure category at the National Geographic Traveller Reader Awards.

The trail, launched in June, is the first of its kind in Britain, connecting more than 30 sites across the Hebridean archipelago and the West Coast which offer opportunities for land-based sightings of whales, dolphins and porpoises, or showcase the region’s whale heritage. It was shortlisted alongside London’s Alexandra Palace Theatre and eventual winners the National Maritime Museum.

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“By promoting low-impact marine wildlife watching from land, the trail is championing the importance of protecting the Hebrides’ wonderful and globally important marine wildlife,” said Alison Lomax (right), director of the Mull-based Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust. “Collaboration was key in forging the trail, and its success is testament to the people and communities who have come together to create this exciting initiative.” The award came as VisitScotland prepared for the Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 – a year-long programme of activities spotlighting Scotland’s coasts and waters. David Adams McGilp, its regional director, said: “Being a finalist for this accolade, just under six months since the experience was launched, is testament to this clever initiative by the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust and the energy and enthusiasm that has gone into making it a success.”