ONE of Ayrshire’s most popular tourist landmarks will be turned into a work of art.

The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory has been included in a new online series, launched by the national tourism organisation.

Sketching Scotland is part of VisitScotland’s online activity to help visitors ‘dream now and travel later’.

A series of 20 short videos teaching virtual visitors how to draw the landmarks and locations is now available on the web – including the — observatory in Craigengillan Estate, near Loch Doon.

Perched on a hilltop site, the centre sits on the edge of the Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park – boasting some of the best dark skies in the UK.

VisitScotland hope that while travel restrictions remain in place due to the coronavirus pandemic, their new series will help draw attention to one of the country’s most iconic sights and see it transformed into a work of art.

Each tutorial is accompanied by a voiceover, which will give advice and tips on how to create the drawings, as well as interesting facts about each tourist destination.

And it is hoped the creative campaign will inspire those who have sketched at home to visit the landmarks once that is possible again.

Gordon Smith, VisitScotland regional director, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on the tourism industry.

“We want to make sure that new and returning visitors are still dreaming about Ayrshire and Arran even if they can’t physically explore just yet.

“Sketching Scotland is a fun take on sightseeing and a way to learn about some of our best-loved attractions, such as the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory.

“We loved the thought that people all over the world could be taking 15 minutes to relax, draw and think of Scotland.”

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