VisitScotland has teamed up and businesses in north west Scotland to launch an Adventure Passport.

The pocket-size pass – valid from October 2006 to May 2007 – offers more than 40 discounts on a range of activities, accommodation, retail outlets, pubs and restaurants in the Lochaber and Fort William area.

The pilot project is part of VisitScotland’s strategy to market Scotland as Europe’s adventure capital. It aims to encourage extreme sports tourism to the area during the cheaper low season.

The organisation claims research indicates that Scotland is becoming increasingly popular for adventure sports enthusiasts owing to the 50 different activities it offers, including mountaineering and mountain biking, snow sports and surfing.

Passport creator Emma Campbell, sector development manager at VisitScotland, said: “By capitalising on the amenities in and around Lochaber we can promote the area to adventure sports enthusiasts. This will encourage participants to stay longer, come at off-peak periods and spend more money while on their trip.”

The Adventure Passport is available via postcard requests from selected tourist information centres or from the website. Details: www.visitscotland.com

Photograph: Scottish rock climber Dave MacLeod on Dumbarton Rock near Glasgow