Scotland is to launch a multi-million pound campaign to boost tourism to the country, the Scottish Tourist Board has announced. The huge tourism drive comes as Scotland is to play host to the European premiere of a new animated film from Pixar, the innovative studio behind the likes of Finding Nemo and the Toy Story trilogy.
The computer animated children's film, Brave, is set exclusively north of the border and features a cast of some of Scotland's finest actors.

The film is due out in August and is having its European premiere at the end of the Edinburgh Film Festival next month. Set to be released in 72 countries, Scottish tourism officials have said that Brave could generate as much as £140 million for the economy.

"This is a fantastic film, it's great fun and a terrific showcase for Scotland across the world. It features an incredibly talented cast - many of them Scots themselves," said Alex Salmond, Scotland's First Minister.

"Millions of people are going to see Brave and they're going to see for themselves an animated vision of our beautiful country."

To capitalise on the film, VisitScotland is embarking on a huge drive for tourists with a £7 million investment to coincide with Brave's release.

As part of the campaign, a new website will be launched along with cinema and TV adverts showcasing exactly what Scotland has to offer. As well as launching the campaign within the UK, VisitScotland is also targeting the French and German markets.

Scotland has long been a popular destination for travellers and this campaign is sure to raise the country's profile even further. But what cities should you visit if you're heading north of the border?

Edinburgh

The capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh is a must-visit on any trip to the country. It is a city packed full of culture with some stunning views.

You can't miss Edinburgh castle and a trip up to this grand building is a great starting point. Not only will you be able to soak up some of the history of Edinburgh and Scotland in general but you'll be able to really take in the city's beautiful skyline.

While Edinburgh is a great place for a visit at virtually any time of year (although it can get very chilly in the winter) the summer is the ideal time to go. As a city unquestionably steeped in culture, Edinburgh has a number of festivals that should be experienced by everyone at least once.

Next month sees the start of the Edinburgh Film Festival showcasing the best filmmaking talent from Scotland, the UK and around the world. But if you only go to one festival in Edinburgh this year, make it the Fringe.

One of the biggest performing arts festivals in the world, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe showcases theatre, dance, music and, of course, comedy. While all these disciplines are featured at 'The Fringe', it is comedy that probably draws most people in. Remember that Edinburgh is only 45 minutes away on a reasonably priced flight so there is no reason not to jump on a plane this weekend and enjoy everything the city has to offer.

St Andrews

If you want to soak up some of Scotland's rich history and grand heritage but don't want to deal with the hustle and bustle of a city the size of Edinburgh, St Andrews could be the place for you.

This idyllic university town on Scotland's west coast offers visitors scenic walks around the surrounding countryside, some fine examples of Scottish architecture and a look back into the country's past.

The town is home to St Andrews University, which is the third-oldest in the English-speaking world. The location of Prince William and Kate Middleton's first meeting, St Andrews University is well worth a visit.