Stephen A Duncan

Director of Marketing and Engagement at Historic Environment Scotland, Experienced Senior Executive, Tourism Leader, Commercial and Customer Focussed Achiever.

[Bernard Donoghue @bernarddonoghue]

A celebratory drink as I started as CEO of @alva_uk 15 years ago today. I’ve loved every minute. I inherited 40 members and we now have 105, and have had 100% member retention for the last 4 years. Our events programme has grown from 5 events per year to at least 42; we’ve 14 working groups, and we have recruited superb Chairs (currently @LabourRoyall ) and board members over the years . I’m hugely grateful to them, and to my brilliant team. I am so fortunate to work with brilliant people, go somewhere extraordinary almost every day, and to advocate for a sector I love. ❤️

[Bernard Donoghue @bernarddonoghue]

So the @MandHShow Awards are kicking off after a wonderful reception and delicious dinner. So we’re off!

[Bernard Donoghue @bernarddonoghue]

Delighted to be invited by BBC The Week in Westminster to talk about the @CommonsCMS inquiry into #UKtourism. I and @alva_uk warmly welcome the inquiry and I took the opportunity to talk about the need for a Govt strategy, to reintroduce tax free shopping, and reduce VAT.

[Bernard Donoghue @bernarddonoghue]

We ⁦@alva_uk⁩ have published our member visitor figures for 2025. I’ll be ⁦@NHM_London⁩ talking to ⁦@BBCBreakfast⁩ about tourism trends, economic challenges and the importance of places of joy in stressful times. https://t.co/aYDcSruArP

[Bernard Donoghue @bernarddonoghue]

I’ve spent an inspiring afternoon with my fellow judges of the @MandHShow Awards. Hours of debating, discussing, agreeing, disagreeing, celebrating, being educated & inspired. We take our role really seriously because we know what the results mean for the winners & for the sector

[Bernard Donoghue @bernarddonoghue]

Sometimes you learn that a CEO has departed and you know their legacy will be impressive, game-changing and sustained, and sometimes a CEO departs and they’re so toxic, disruptive, socially inept and incompetent that you wonder why it took the board so long to ‘depart’ them.

[Bernard Donoghue @bernarddonoghue]

@GOVUK has announced that it’s postponed the launch of its visitor economy strategy until 2026. Here’s what needs to be in it: reduce VAT; reintroduce tax free shopping for tourists; remove VAT on heritage repairs; protect & fund civic museums; access to culture for every child.

[The Royal Family @RoyalFamily]

🫖 🍰 Today, His Majesty The King welcomed over 8,000 guests from across Scotland to the annual Garden Party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.

The Royal Garden Party celebrates those who have made positive contributions to Scottish communities. Guests from the Highlands to the Borders enjoyed tea, sandwiches and the famous Palace cake while mingling in the historic gardens.

His Majesty was joined by other members of the Royal Family as they met representatives from Scottish charities, community organisations, local businesses, and public service workers who continue to make a difference throughout the nation.

The Garden Party at Holyroodhouse is a tradition dating back to the reign of King George V and Queen Mary, forming an important part of Royal Week in Scotland.

#RoyalFamily #RoyalWeek #Scotland #Holyroodhouse #GardenParty

[Historic Scotland @welovehistory]

What a weekend of jousting at Linlithgow. Thanks to our amazing re-enactors and our audience who made the weekend truly spectacular!

If you came along, we'd love to see your photos! If not, we'll see you at Caerlaverock on Sat 27 & Sun 28 July for more Spectacular Jousting!

[Historic Scotland @welovehistory]

In the first joust of the day at Linlithgow, Lady Sofia reigns supreme and wins the right to choose her own suitor- but who will be champion at 2.30pm?

We're delighted to see Spectacular Jousting return to Linlithgow this weekend, let battle commence!

[Brian Ferguson @brianjaffa]

I’m back! I’m really excited to confirm I’ve just started a new role as The Herald’s Arts Correspondent. Read all about it here! https://t.co/pCgUvmVRqX

[VisitBritain Biz @VisitBritainBiz]

The USA inbound market is forecast to be worth £6.7bn to the UK economy in 2025 and California the no. 1 state for visitor volume. We launched our #StarringGREATBritain campaign to West Coast travel trade and media, showcasing Britain's destinations - the real star of the show.

[EICC @eicc]

#Edinburgh is getting into the festive spirit. In celebration of #IlluminationStreetWeek 🎇, why not take a stroll through @TheBotanics enchanting light trail or check out @edinburghcastle's immersive illuminations to brighten up your weekend.

🔗 https://t.co/MdD4mxCg7y

[Edinburgh Castle @edinburghcastle]

Join us tonight, Saturday, and Sunday for #CastleOfLight ✨and celebrate our city in style!

🏰Watch as you see and hear Edinburgh's stories come to life on the castle walls!

🎫https://t.co/0ZhpXqu7MH

[Edinburgh Castle @edinburghcastle]

It's a Christmas Tree Battle! 🎄

We're ready to branch out and re-claim the winning title of #BattleOfTheChristmasTress

Cast your votes in the comment section below!

@stirlingcastle your not allowed to vote for yourself 🙈

[Edinburgh Castle @edinburghcastle]

It's officially December! That means Christmas is coming!

The city looks magical this time of year✨

📸@lesleympix
https://t.co/rYw21qSySh

[Edinburgh Castle @edinburghcastle]

Today is the day✨

#CastleOfLight opens the door on 900 years of Edinburgh!

Will you be visiting us this evening?

It is time to party in style!🥳
https://t.co/zcBnfiTOWV

[Edinburgh Castle @edinburghcastle]

How do you bring a 6-ton, 15th-century siege cannon like Mons Meg back to life?

💥With a little help from modern tech!
We’ve paired historical accuracy with cutting-edge sound design to create a truly explosive experience. Can’t wait to share it with you at #CastleOfLight

[Brian Ferguson @brianjaffa]

I’ve watched this several times and I’m still completely baffled at the messaging.
How can you have both extra services and reduced services on during one of the busiest weekends of the year?

[Historic Environment Scotland @HistEnvScot]

Exciting news! A new member of the Scottish #WorldHeritage family, and our first purely natural World Heritage Site!