The Outer Hebrides Tourism has created a new map to help tourists seek out the most ‘Instagram-able’ selfie spots.

The limited-edition map of Uist in the Outer Hebrides embodies the ‘hands-on’ character of an old school map with its traditional layout and trusted grid reference points – but with a modern-day twist.

A special new Insta-friendly symbol has been created and added to the map to sit alongside the ‘place of worship’ and ‘museum’ symbols from traditional map reading days.

And resourceful islanders, along with social media insight, have identified the most ‘Instagrammable’ places on the islands to help tourists seek out the ‘must snap’ picture spots to keep their Insta-followers fed.

Created in association with CalMac Ferries, the map pinpoints the top 10 Insta-worthy beauty spots throughout Uist such as Seal Bay in Berneray (great for seal spotting) and Eriskay Football Pitch (FIFA-recognised scenic football pitch) for influencer wannabees to capture the very best shots for their social feeds. Ahead of the 2019 tourist season, the adventure scale map, designed in all-weather waterproof fabric to withstand the occasional Hebridean shower, will help social media devotees discover just why Uist is a must-see destination this year.

Andrew Macnair, head of marketing at CalMac Ferries, said: “The Outer Hebrides are a photographer’s paradise and an influencer’s dream, and this viral popularity continues to increase as globetrotters share pictures on social media of their adventures on the islands. Uist however is a hidden gem, with powder-white beaches, untouched natural landscapes and vibrant crofting communities steeped in traditional Gaelic culture, often overlooked as tourists flock to the likes of Harris and Lewis.

“We know that Instagram matters to today’s tourist and we also know that travellers love a traditional map. Our new style version makes it easy for visitors – pinpointing a real eclectic mix of views and landscapes and moreover making them easily identifiable through our new social symbol.”

Robert McKinnon, chief executive of Outer Hebrides Tourism, added: “The popularity of the Outer Hebrides has grown considerably in recent years, with 218,000 people now visiting annually from throughout the world.

“Social media has put the islands on the map, with so many Insta-friendly locations on our doorstep. We look forward to welcoming visitors to Uist and seeing Instagram feeds fill with snapshots of their adventures on the islands.”

Two maps will be rolled out in the coming weeks and will be available on CalMac ferries to the islands. Visitors to the islands are being encouraged to share their snaps of the beauty spots and tag #seeuistsoon #calmacferries and #visitouterhebrides in their posts. Today, 88k people tagged an Instagram post with #outerhebrides whilst 13k shared pictures of #uist.

The maps were designed and made by Hampshire-based SplashMaps using Ordnance Survey’s familiar Landranger style of map.

Top 10 Beauty Spots

Berneray, North Uist, Grimsay and Benbecula

Giant Macaskill, Berneray – Statue for world’s tallest man

Seal Bay, Berneray – Great for seal spotting

Hercules, North Uist – Statue of the infamous Island bear

Traigh lar, North Uist – Beautiful beach wildlife haven

Scolpaig Tower (Macleod’s Folly), North Uist – Medieval tower

Teampall na Trianaid (Church of the Holy Trinity), North Uist – Church ruins with terrific views

Culla Bay, Benbecula – Spotless white birdwatching beach

South Ford cockle beach, Benbecula – Prime cockle-picking beach

Rueval, Benbecula – Largest mountain on the island

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