Cullen Voluntary Tourist Initiative

The Cullen Voluntary Tourist Initiative

The Cullen Voluntary Tourist Initiative has 4 key objectives:-

Promoting Cullen
Running the Tourist Information Office during June, July and August
Creating and facilitating events in Cullen
Raising funds to sustain the work of the Initiative.

The Tourist Information Office is manned by a body of volunteers who give up some of their time to ensure that visitors to the area are well-informed of events, facilities and things to do.

The Office is open 7 days a week during the months of June, July and August - from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If you wish to contact the Tourist Information Office, please phone or e-mail Graham Bell - contact details as below.

More volunteers would be very welcome; if you are interested, please contact Graham Bell.

** Cullen is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights ! **

The Aurora Borealis - or Northern Lights - is entering the liveliest stage of its 11-year cycle. And that means eerie hues of green and purple could be dancing over us several times a month. Our chances of seeing a display are increasing; solar activity goes in cycles of roughly 11 years, and the current cycle is set to peak next winter. It is possible to predict when an aurora will occur - to an extent. Sunspots indicate activity on the sun and there are websites which allow anyone to follow the "kp index". It measures solar flares. If it exceeds five, there may well be activity in mid or northern Scotland.

It is possible to see the very brightest of displays from towns, but it's best to be out in the country where it's darker. People do travel to Northern Norway and Iceland, but you can see them well from the north of Scotland which has the same latitude as Stavanger in Norway and Moscow. It's best to have a low horizon, so Cullen in the north east is a great spot.

Those who wish to find out when the Northern Lights will be visible can sign up for e-mail updates from AuroraWatch (click on http://aurorawatch.lancs.ac.uk to sign up).

** December 2011 Raffle Winners **

For a list of the winners, click here.

** Cullen Voluntary Tourist Initiative - AGM 2011 **

The AGM was held in November 2011; to see the Draft Minutes, please click here.

** VIP Guests Come to Cullen - December 2011 **

Wednesday 7th December 2011 was the date for a very important visit when Santa and his reindeer took time out from their busy schedule to visit Cullen. Organised by the Cullen Voluntary Tourist Initiative, the event mirrored the success of a similar one two years ago which saw hundreds of people flock to enjoy the festive atmosphere. The event got off to a great start with stirring music from the pipes of Adam and Callum Newlands, followed by carols sung by Cullen Primary School pupils, supported by the Cullen and Deskford Church of Scotland and the local Methodist Church. Callum and Adam then led the crowd to find Santa and his reindeer who made a spectacular entrance from a location which had been kept a carefully guarded secret. A short tour of Cullen ensued, led by Cullen Fire Brigade, before they arrived back at the Millennium Square, where the children (and adults!) had a chance to get a bit closer.

The Cullen Voluntary Tourist Initiative would like to thank everyone who turned up despite the wintry conditions. They are also very grateful to all those who put so much time and effort into creating this event - particularly members of the Committee, all the marshals who braved the cold, Grampian Police for helping to control traffic and guide the parade around the town, and Cullen Fire Brigade for leading the parade.

Click here for photos of the event.

** New Book - Cullen Memories - now on sale **

This new book has been written by Andrew McIntyre, and is available for sale at http://www.blurb.com/books/2512216

** Moray Firth in the World's Top 18 Coastline Destinations **

Amazing but true! A survey by National Geographic Traveller Magazine has rated our coastline amongst some of the most breathtaking coasts in the world. For more information, please click here.

** What Visitors Think of our Area **

During the summer months of 2011, many visitors came to the Cullen Tourist Information Office, and most recorded their thoughts on our area in the Visitors Book. To read just a selection of the many, please click here.

** Ilovecullen.com stickers available for sale - in local shops in Cullen - £1 **

Proceeds will go to Cullen Voluntary Tourist Initiative funds for tourist related projects/events.

** Cullen Voluntary Tourist Initiative - Committee Members **

Committee Meetings are held monthly on the second Wednesday; if you would like to become more involved with the Tourist Initiative, we would like to hear from you; please contact Graham Bell, Secretary - contact details below.

Downloads

	For a list of Committee members
	To read the last Committee Meeting Minutes

Contact Details

Cullen Voluntary Tourist Initiative
Graham Bell, Secretary
23a Seafield Street,
Cullen AB56 4SU
07801 850827; visit@discovercullen.com
www.discovercullen.com