World NewsBarcelona Commission Own Tartan |
European football giants Barcelona have fallen in love with Scotland so much that they have commissioned their own tartan, tourism chiefs said on Wednesday.
The official Barca tartan will be presented by Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond to club directors Thursday when he hosts a reception for the team at his official residence in Edinburgh, ahead of the opening game of their summer tour.The La Liga stars are currently in St Andrews, Fife, where they are warming up for their forthcoming friendlies against Hibernian and Dundee United.
Mr Salmond said: "It is excellent that FC Barcelona has again chosen Scotland for its pre-season training.
"The fact that one of Europe's most successful football clubs has returned to Scotland shows that we are a welcoming and attractive country for talent from across the world.
"I am looking forward to meeting the directors and representatives from the club tomorrow at Bute House where I will proudly present this unique tartan."
The tartan was inspired by the colours on the club's strip and is now officially registered by the Scottish Tartans Authority.
It was initially commissioned by VisitScotland, who said the idea was "really well received" by the club.
The tourism body is keen to tap into the Spanish tourism market - believed to be worth £78 million to the Scottish economy - and they are hoping to attract more Spaniards to Scotland on the back of the Catalan club's visit this week.
Denise Hill, head of international marketing for VisitScotland, said: "In Spain, football has such an enormous following and the Barcelona team's fan base provides a huge audience for us to target on the back of them training in Scotland this summer.
"We are working with direct airlines, hotels and media partners to encourage Barca fans to come and watch their team in Scotland and add on a holiday at the same time."
Barcelona's Brazilian defender Sylvinho said: "I really enjoyed playing at Murrayfield last year, it was a good occasion.
"It was a really good atmosphere - it always is when you are playing in Scotland. The cooler weather, nice facilities and good food are all great for us."
This is the second year that Barcelona have held their pre-season training stage in Scotland.
The Spanish club will take on Hibs at Murrayfield on Thursday, and they will face Dundee United at Tannadice on Saturday.
Copyright (c) 2008 Press Association
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