Edinburgh, Scotland � May 2001 � The Scottish Tourist Board (STB) has recently been awarded increased funds from the Scottish Parliament to add a much welcomed boost to its public relations and advertising efforts in the U.S.

�The US is the most important overseas market for Scotland and we want to offer reassurance to all potential visitors that the country is open and has a huge array of attractions and events on offer over the coming months to guarantee the holiday experience of a lifetime.�

�The increased funding allows us to build a highly visible and creative campaign which we believe will educate and excite the US consumer into considering Scotland as a must-see European destination this summer,� stated Maureen Sprott, US Marketing Manager for Scottish Tourist Board.

The Scottish Tourist Board will be working closely with New Paradigm Advertising of Harrison New York (OTC Bulletin Board: NPSC), appointed in 1998. Sister communications company GMG PR will also provide short-term support with public relations.

The campaign will focus on the unique heritage, ancient history and contemporary cultural scene throughout the 14 diverse regions of Scotland, with particular attention on the romanticism of the Highlands and Islands, the innovation and dynamism of the city scene in Glasgow and Edinburgh, and the world-renowned quality and superiority of Scottish cuisine.

For more information contact Risa Hoag at GMG Public Relations at 914-777-6500 (risa@gmgpr.com) or Karin Finlay at the Scottish Tourist Board at 011-44-131-332-2433 (karin_finlay@stb.gov.uk).

SOURCE: The Scottish Tourist Board