VisitScotland is taking advantage of the cross-generational boom in podcasting to lure visitors to Glasgow with a new audio and video podcast themed on the stylish Merchant City.

Narrated by Monarch of the Glen star Dawn Steele, the free-to-download Merchant City podcasts are available in a 38 chapter audio version and a three-chapter video version, collectively packing around 80 minutes worth of information on Glasgow’s main style quarter.

The podcasts cover every aspect of the Merchant City, from its origins at Glasgow Cathedral and its colourful history down the centuries, through to today’s hip bars, restaurants and shops and the area’s stunning architecture.

The podcast will be promoted at web sites including YouTube and on the cities and culture pages of visitscotland.com, which will link to the download from Apple’s iTunes.

The podcasts are backed up by interactive maps available online that allow visitors to conduct a virtual tour of the area utilising pop-up information panels on places of interest and the area’s must-see attractions.

Click here to view the interactive maps: http://maps.live.com/?v=2&cid=BF808D2779EB3323!103&encType=1

The podcast development is VisitScotland’s second recent investment in the promotion of the Merchant City, following September’s funding award of £11,200 to the Merchant City Tourism Marketing Group. The funding supports the group’s plans for a dedicated Merchant City promotional web site, leaflets and consumer research.

Dawn Steele, who provided voice talent for the podcast, said:

“I’m a proud Glaswegian, so it was a pleasure to be asked to be the voice of the podcast and do my bit to promote the city.

“I love the Merchant City. The shopping just seems to get better all the time, and the area has some of the best bars and restaurants in the country. If this brings more people to Glasgow to get the Merchant City experience, I’ll be thrilled!”

You can download the podcast from iTunes here: