Monday, July 24, 2006

Banffshire Coast

The Banffshire Coast: Where Sunshine Is Guaranteed


It’s official – as well as being the UK hot spot for storm watching, Banffshire is one of the sunniest and driest parts of the country! While many Brits have long since given up on waiting for a good summer, and opt instead for cheap holidays abroad for that fleeting, but nonetheless essential week or two of guaranteed sunshine, some will take comfort in the knowledge that the Banffshire coast is one of a few corners of the country where the chance of sunshine is higher than elsewhere.

Official figures from the Met Office reveal that the area basked in a greater number of hours of sunshine than Scotland as a whole last summer, a statistic that is thanks directly to the area’s unique microclimate, which creates a weather that is milder, drier and sunnier than that of the area’s surrounding regions.

The Banffshire coast’s microclimate, a term used to describe the climate of a small area, results from its position relative to the surrounding land and sea. Nestling in the lee of the scenic Grampian Mountains and perched on the edge of the North Atlantic, Banffshire’s weather is influenced by both the effect of the warming North Atlantic Drift on the area’s coastal waters, and the fact that it is sheltered from the prevailing south westerly winds. In short, the two factors combine to produce a mellowing effect that guarantees the area a more agreeable climate than the rest of the country.

The summer months in particular are the perfect time to visit the area if it’s warm weather you’re after. Joyfully free of the midgies for which the west coast is famed, moderate temperatures are de rigeur on this corner of the east coast, and provide the perfect opportunity to sample one or two of the many outdoor activities the area has to offer. Whether it’s cycling, walking, golfing or fishing, there really is something to suit all tastes and pockets.

“Total hours of sunshine in Banffshire last summer amounted to 436, while Scotland as a whole had only 422,” explains John Hammond of the Met Office. “Banffshire’s microclimate places it firmly as one of the driest regions in Scotland.”
Karen Crowe of the Banffshire Coastal Tourism Partnership says, “Having lived here for more than 20 years, I can certainly vouch for warm, dry summers. It has to be said that the microclimate does much to enhance the area’s natural beauty and also provides great conditions in which to sample the huge variety of outdoor activities the region has to offer.

More information about the Banffshire Coast, from events to what to see or do in the area, is available by visiting the new
www.banffshirecoast.com or calling 0870 803 0251

Chris