Broch of Gurness tops social media popularity contest

An aerial view of Orkney’s Broch of Gurness has been ranked by VisitScotland as its most popular social media post of 2021 for the islands.

The photograph of the structure, which dates back around 2,000 years posted by @visitorkney and @rachelvisual received more than 30,000 likes when it was shared by the national tourism organisation on its Instagram account, making it the highest performing post of the region last year.  

 An image of the Ring of Brodgar captured on a snowy winter’s day was ranked second most popular post for the region. The image of the UNESCO World Heritage site was captured by @visitorkney and received more than 27,000 likes.  

The third highest performing post by @visitorkney — which attracted more than 26,500 likes — shows the dramatic coastline near Yesnaby as the waves crash against the rocks and the sun gleans through the clouds.  

Orkney’s VisitScotland development manager, Cheryl Chapman said: “The breath-taking natural beauty, incredible history and rugged landscape on offer across Orkney you kiare a fantastic source of inspiration for photographers and these images have captured some of the many reasons visitors are drawn to the islands.  

 “VisitScotland’s social media channels have played an important role in the last two years in continuing to keep Scotland front of mind and offering inspiration to our global audiences for when they can travel. We know there is pent-up demand for travel and we want to ensure that we inspire potential visitors with what Scotland has to offer and make it their first-choice destination when they can travel.  

 “Our marketing activity reflects our drive to attract visitors to Scotland throughout the year. By adopting a regional and geographic approach, we are showcasing the diversity that Scotland has to offer and ensuring that tourism brings benefits to communities right across the country.” 

 Maureen Shearer, of Orkney Marketing, added: “We are delighted to see @visitorkney’s posts getting such good engagement on VisitScotland’s Instagram account. Orkney Marketing, funded by Orkney Islands Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, has invested a substantial resource into creating a strong social media presence in support of orkney.com and Instagram has been our fastest growing platform with more than 50,000 followers.   

 “Interestingly, on @visitorkney’s Instagram account, of our posts last year, the Ring of Brodgar, the aerial of the Broch of Gurness, and the Italian Chapel form the top three with the Ring of Brodgar photo attracting almost 10,000 likes. As well as our iconic sites, wild weather and stormy seas also regularly attract good engagement across our platforms.”