Press release: Largest ever mown map of mainland Scotland unveiled as tribute to Scotland squad ahead of crunch Euros match
Press release
Immediate release
17 June 2021
Largest ever mown map of mainland Scotland unveiled as tribute to Scotland squad ahead of crunch Euros match
John Henderson, founder of the Born in Scotland retail chain, has unveiled the largest map of mainland Scotland ever to be created, as a tribute to the national football team ahead of tomorrow’s crunch match with England.
The vast outline, mown into a grass field next to the company’s headquarters near Jedburgh, stretches for over one and a half kilometers.
Over the last couple of years, John’s entrepreneurial vigour has brought a taste of pure Scottish humour and nostalgia to the high street with the opening of six Born in Scotland retail sites across the Central Belt. The sites, in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Stirling and Tillicoultry sell a selection of Scotland’s favourite brands from the past and present, but presented with an irreverent twist: Buckfast barbecue sauce, Irn Bru Epsom salts, and Creamola Foam are some of the store’s best sellers.
The rapid expansion of the Born in Scotland brand has exceeded all expectations thanks to the popularity of its retro quirky appeal, particularly throughout the pandemic with consumers seeking an element of comfort and a throwback thrill to their childhood era.
The company’s HQ in Jedburgh is also home to a Born in Scotland visitor centre and café, and in creating his giant map of Scotland, John’s focus has been on creating a Covid-secure outdoor attraction to be shared, enjoyed and experienced by as many as possible, driven by the idea of creating a memorable tribute to the nation and marking Scotland’s historical place in the Euros after a 23 year period.
The map was designed by Kelso company Landmaps, took two months to sketch out, and requires several hours of mowing a week. Visitors will be signposted around the outline and will be able to ‘walk the whole of Scotland’ in just under an hour!
Speaking about his record-breaking efforts; John said: “Given what the country has been through over the last year or so, I wanted to create something fun to celebrate not just our great nation, but also our national team’s return to the Euros. Outside is where it’s going to be at this summer, and how else could you get around the whole of our great country in less than 60 minutes, at the same time as grabbing a bit of healthy exercise and fresh air?”
Marc Crothall, Chief Executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance, the representative body for Scotland’s tourism industry said; “John has again come up with a truly innovative, compelling idea in his uniquely quirky way which continues to connect with hearts and minds and put smiles on faces after what has been such an intensely difficult period for all. Scotland’s tourism industry has faced an unimaginable crisis and it is so heartening to see businesses like Born in Scotland continuing to innovate and pivot so successfully to attract visitors and showcase all of Scotland’s wonderful assets.”
Visitors can walk Scotland in miniature from Friday 18th June and entry is free.
To find out more, visit www.borninscotlandlandtonmill.com
ENDS
Media enquiries, images and picture requests to:
Mhairi Clarke
mhairi.clarke@stalliance.co.uk
You can view drone footage of the map here.
