A website has been created to put the Mearns on the map and encourage tourists to spend more time there.
Although it is still a work in progress, VisitMearns.com will eventually provide a one-stop shop for events, tourist services and attractions in the local area.
It has been developed by the Kincardine Development Partnership, and was launched this week at the Grassic Gibbon Centre in Laurencekirk.
Dave Ramsay, director and chairman of Visit Mearns said: “The idea has been around for a long time, but it’s only now it has been pulled together and happening as an organisation. The idea is to promote the unique attractions we have got here.
“This area has a rich and unique variety of tourism opportunities, and our job is to bring this to the Scottish, international, and world stage.
“Thanks to the ground work of Jacky Niven, a development worker with Kincardine Development Partnership, we are now in a great position to take this initiative forward and to assist new members in positioning themselves in the Visit Mearns tourism portfolio.”
He thanked Mearns Academy for allowing staff and time to research and develop the background information for the main theme of the website.
The launch of the website also marks the launch of a campaign to recruit members who wish to promote their attraction and business on the site by having their listing added.
Mr Ramsay added: “There are so many different things on offer in the area from castles to bed and breakfasts, but for anybody who becomes a member it allows them the opportunity to write about their attraction or service in the way that they want.
“Once members they will be fully consulted on what they want on the website and this will hopefully open up new opportunities for them.”
For more information visit www.visitmearns.com