Scottish PR company CM Porter Novelli has been appointed to handle media relations for VisitLanarkshire following a tender process.

The Drum understands five agencies were asked to bid for the contract including incumbent The Big Partnership.

CM Porter Novelli will work to increase Lanarkshire's profile and boost the number of visitors to the region's "undiscovered gems".

The Edinburgh agency has experience in the tourism sector having worked with National Museums Scotland and Our Dynamic Earth. It continues to work with VisitScotland's Business Tourism Unit and Edinburgh Zoo.

Agency managing director, Angela Casey, said: "We enjoy tourism work and this appointment complements our existing client base well.  There exists a real opportunity to increase income to the area by encouraging more visitors – both business and leisure - and we have some plans in place to support the marketing effort.”