WATCH: Marks and Spencer's Christmas advert puts Borders in the national spotlight
Last updated 9th Nov 2018
The Borders is back in the national spotlight - with the release of Marks and Spencer's Christmas advert.
Kelso's cobbled streets and Eyemouth’s Gunsgreen House play a starring role in the retailer's commercial, which will appear on our TV screens over the festive season.
Crowds turned out as the region was transformed into a winter wonderland for filming in September.
And tourism chiefs are hoping all the publicity surrounding the TV ad will encourage more to return.
Last year’s M&S advert featuring Paddington Bear was viewed more than 20 million times on video-sharing website YouTube.
VisitScotland Regional Leadership Director Paula Ward said: “The Scottish Borders is truly magical at Christmas and it is no surprise that M&S has chosen to film its festive advert in this part of the world.
“With its rugged coastline, charming towns, rich history and spectacular scenery, the Scottish Borders is the perfect choice for a holiday or short break at any time of the year. We are home to so many unique experiences that make Scotland the envy of the world.
“The region is especially perfect during the festive holiday season. The warmth of our people, the beautiful displays by talented independent retailers and the unique gifts that can be sourced here make it a must visit Christmas shopping destination. This advert could create a boost for tourism in the region, with people across the UK inspired to visit the Scottish Borders for themselves.
“It is also fitting that the region has been chosen to show off M&S’s food offering. Food and drink plays a critical role in attracting visitors to the area with a number of quality producers placing emphasis on the provenance of their local sourced produce. From local cider, gin, whisky and beer to luxury chocolate, bakeries and sweet treats, there really is something for everyone to enjoy in the Scottish Borders this Christmas.”
Councillor Mark Rowley, Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Member for Business and Economic Development, said: “All exposure for the beautiful Scottish Borders is great for our important visitor economy, and even a short clip in a national advertising campaign can have a positive impact.
“The Scottish Borders has so much to offer visitors, at all times of the year, from our stunning coastline and landscapes to our historic houses, outdoor pursuits and food and drink, and hopefully more people will consider a trip to the Scottish Borders after seeing Eyemouth and Kelso in the Christmas Marks & Spencer advert.
“The advert is a useful reminder that there are many great local shopping opportunities in towns across the Borders and the significant benefits of shopping local, not just for Christmas but all year round. Every pound spent locally can filter through our economy and has a much wider impact than you would imagine when you hand over your cash at the till.”
Eyemouth Harbour Trust’s Business Manager, Christine Bell said: "We were delighted that part of the filming took place in Eyemouth and that the harbour may appear as a backdrop for this high profile seasonal food ad.
"The Scottish Borders offers a vast range of choice of filming locations and this campaign presents a fantastic opportunity to raise the profile of the Berwickshire Coast and the wider Borders region; an area renowned for its stunning scenery, fascinating heritage and delicious local produce.
"We are looking forward to seeing the published ad and hopefully catching a glimpse of our picturesque town."
For more on this story, and all the latest news, tune in to Radio Borders on the hour every hour - https://planetradio.co.uk/borders/player