New signs give warm Homecoming 2014 welcome

Mr Brown was speaking as he unveiled one of four new border crossing signs, which showcase the Year of Homecoming, Glasgow 2014 and the Ryder Cup logos.

The signs, created as part of Transport Scotland’s ongoing trunk road network improvements, are located at

• A1 Lamberton

• A7 Scotsdike

• A68 Carter Bar

• A74(M) Gretna

The Minister also took the opportunity to reveal details of a Commonwealth Games travel and traffic internet radio service which will provide 24/7 updates to listeners via the web and smart phones during the busy summer period.

Mr Brown said:

“Hosting prestigious events such as the Commonwealth Games and Ryder Cup places Scotland on a truly international stage. It is only fitting that visitors get a warm welcome from the moment they arrive and these signs will help ensure that while reflecting our pride in staging these events.

“Our modern and efficient transport system allows people to travel the length and breadth of the country to experience all that Scotland has to offer from stunning scenery to magnificent food and drink. With just 83 days to go to the start of the Commonwealth Games, and looking forward to the many other events taking place this year, we’re working to ensure those transport systems keep everyone moving.

“By investing a modest resource to enhance our existing journey planning tools, we can provide a robust Games travel radio service. This means visitors, commuters and residents can get even more real time information on the move. This will not only prove useful for those attending events but also for people going about their daily business.”

Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland, said:

“Scotland is renowned for its great hospitality and thanks to these new signs visitors will get a glimpse of this as soon as they cross the border. It is also an important reminder that Scotland is definitely the place to be this year with the Commonwealth Games, Ryder Cup and the Year of Homecoming; three momentous events which will showcase Scotland as a proud, passionate and welcoming nation with a world-class tourism offering.

“It is likely that Scotland, and particularly Glasgow will be much busier this summer as people travel to and from the city. The Games travel radio service will be a vital asset for visitors and residents, providing them with information to plan their journeys in an easy and efficient manner.”

The free Traveline Scotland app has already been downloaded 400,000 times to date and provides a wealth of journey planning information covering road and public transport options. During Games time, this will be extended to include information on shuttle services, extended rail timetables and local buses. To download the free app visit www.TravelineScotland.com.

Further travel planning information for the Commonwealth Games is available at www.GetReadyGlasgow.com for businesses and residents. Spectators can get more information at www.Glasgow2014.com

Contact:
Transport Scotland Press Office : 0141 272 7195

Notes to editors

Games Travel Radio

  1. Photographs are available on request from Transport Scotland after this event.
  2. Games travel and traffic radio will be an internet based service featuring the latest traffic & travel updates available in the lead-up to during the XX Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this summer.
  3. It will offer travel and traffic advice before, during and after the Games including: the Queen’s Baton Relay (which arrives in Scotland on 14 June).
  4. The aim of the service is to provide visitors and local residents with real time updates to help plan their journeys while they are on the move.
  5. Users will be able to access the service online at www.trafficscotland.org and on mobile devices
  6. It will also be available via the Tune-In radio mobile app, an internet radio stream aggregator.
  7. Games Travel Radio output will include live road information and live public transport information.
  8. In the lead up to the Games there will be live public transport and road updates twice per hour between 06.00 and 22.00, seven days a week.
  9. During the Games, broadcasts will increase to three updates per hour during peak venue arrival & departure times.
  10. During the Games there'll also be a round up 'look ahead' to the next day's travel.
  11. The provider, INRIX, currently delivers Traffic Scotland radio and has considerable experience in the field of travel information delivery.
  12. The service will also be promoted via Twitter and other social media.

Published 1 May 2014