Inverness-businesswoman Freda Newton headed down under last week to join the Queen’s Baton Relay and fly the flag for Scottish tourism in a bid to increase visitor numbers from Australia.
The owner of Loch Ness-based Jacobite Cruises will show off a tartan dress custom-designed by Highland designer Coca Tenorio at a televised event in Sydney.
She’s also produced an animation of Jacobite’s mascot Jess, Nessie’s Cousin, to help generate excitement for the mission.
Freda is joining a VisitScotland mission for the Australia leg of their South Pacific tour and will be taking in a number of high profile receptions to promote Scotland. The aim of the mission is to capitalise on the opportunities the 2014 Commonwealth Games presents to forge links with Australian tour operators. During the trip she’ll spend time in both Sydney and Melbourne.
Freda said: “It’s a great privilege to be representing the Scottish tourism industry as excitement builds for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Our diary is packed with events and meetings, many of which will be covered by the Australian media.
“I’m delighted to be showcasing Coca Tenorio’s amazing talents while I’m away. The dress will showcase the creative talent we take for granted in Scotland.”
Freda hopes her visit will help inspire scores of Australian sports enthusiasts to travel to Scotland for the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland, said: “We are delighted Freda is able to join the trade mission in Australia and the activity planned demonstrates our commitment to capitalise on the opportunity to promote Scotland to the world as the Queen’s Baton makes its way around the globe.
We know that our cousins from Australia and New Zealand are a potentially lucrative market for Scotland, with as many as 45% of Australians claiming Scottish ancestry, so we’ll be over there promoting our country to those who have never been home, especially ahead of Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, Homecoming 2014 and Ryder Cup 2014.”
Coca Tenorio said: “I am very proud that Freda has chosen one of my designs for such an event – she looks fantastic! The deconstructed kilt dress is in Royal Stewart tartan with eight large buckles.”
Coca’s tartan designs have been woven by Harris Tweed Hebrides for her new exclusive clothes collection for 2014.
Find out more about Jacobite Cruises at www.jacobite.co.uk
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