Scotland’s Towns Summer Session

Event Overview

Scotland’s Towns Partnership is delighted to invite key partners and stakeholders to a focused summer session, spotlighting the pivotal role of responsible tourism in driving forward Scotland’s local economies and place-based investment.

With a deepening emphasis on sustainable development, this event will explore how tourism strategies can not only align with but actively enhance the strategic direction of towns stakeholders - from local government and community groups to businesses and cultural organisations.

Keynote Speaker

Vicki Miller, Chief Executive, VisitScotland
Vicki will present VisitScotland’s strategic vision and direction, with a sharp focus on partnership opportunities that advance local economic growth and resilience. She will dive into how the organisation is working collaboratively with Scotland’s Towns Partnership - particularly through initiatives like the Love Local campaign - to tap into the power of the Scottish diaspora, boost local spend, and support vibrant, distinctive places.

Fireside Chat

Following Vicki’s presentation, a dynamic fireside chat will be hosted by:
Kimberley Guthrie, Chief Officer, Scotland’s Towns Partnership

Joining Kimberley and Vicki for this engaging discussion are:

• Aileen Crawford, Head of Tourism and Conventions, Glasgow Convention Bureau - Glasgow Life

• Scotland's Improvement Districts, represented by Roddy Smith, Chief Executive, Essential Edinburgh

Together, they will delve deeper into the future of responsible tourism, the importance of collaboration across cities and towns, and how place-based strategies are creating new opportunities for regeneration, cultural vibrancy, and economic growth.

Agenda

2:00 Arrival Coffee

2:30 Welcome: Kimberley Guthrie, Chief Officer, Scotland’s Towns Partnership

2:40 Guest speaker: Vicki Miller, Chief Executive, VisitScotland

3:00 Fireside Chat hosted by Kimberley Guthrie with guests, Vicki Miller, Aileen Crawford, Head of Tourism and Conventions, Glasgow Convention Bureau - Glasgow Life and Roddy Smith, Chief Executive, Essential Edinburgh

3:30 Audience Q & A

3:50 Closing Remarks: Kimberley Guthrie (4:00 close)

Why Attend

This intimate, invitation-only session provides an opportunity to:

• Hear strategic insights directly from VisitScotland leadership
• Engage in a thought-provoking fireside chat with urban and cultural leaders
• Understand how national campaigns like Love Local are evolving
• Discuss place-making and the value of partnership working
• Connect with like-minded leaders committed to strengthening town economies

Privacy

To support networking and help you get the most out of our event, we will provide those coming with a list of the names and organisational affiliation of those attending.

Furthermore, we typically take photographs of proceedings in order to highlight or showcase STP’s activities.

Please let us know if you do not wish to provide consent for the use of your personal data in this way. To see how we use and take care of your information, please see our privacy notice.