Scottish heritage in the spotlight - Three year fund to boost Scottish tourism

1st July 2014

A £200,000 fund which will help attract international visitors to Scotland has been launched by Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing.

The second round of the Scottish Clan Event Fund will support the delivery and planning of local clan events over the Year of Food and Drink in 2015, Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design 2016 and Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology 2017.

The news coincided with Clans Monday, where clans and families have special access to the newly opened Bannockburn Visitor Centre.

Mr Ewing said:"Thanks to the first round of the Scottish Clan Event Fund, we were able to provide support to a number of Clans who organised events across the country during our Year of Homecoming 2014.

"This weekend at Bannockburn Live, we saw a fantastic range of outlets showing off their Scottish delicacies, whiskies and real ales to visitors from around the world. As we look towards the Year of Food and Drink in 2015 we want to keep up this momentum and show off some of the excellent produce that has helped to reinforce Scotland's reputation as a land of food and drink.

"Visitors are keen to learn more about the country's fabulous food and drink, history, architecture and heritage. The second round of the Clan Event Fund will make sure we keep up our international profile to ensure we continue to attract kin from across the globe to events around the country. It will also help to encourage clans to hold events in all parts of Scotland and ensure everyone reaps the rewards from their boost to tourism."

Sir Malcolm MacGregor, Convenor, Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs said:“The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs continues to support this important initiative which will enhance Clan activities in local communities and encourage more people to celebrate their clan and family heritage across Scotland."

John Mackenzie, Earl of Cromartie, Chair of the Highland Clan Partnership Group said:

“The Scottish Clans Event Fund has provided a welcome boost to Highland Clans in planning and extending their International Clan Gatherings, providing a healthy addition to regional Tourism.

“The recognition of the Scottish Government of the importance of the Highland Clans to Ancestral and Heritage Tourism to Scotland today and in the future cannot be understated. The Scottish Clan Event Fund extends the ability of the Highland Clans to immeasurably improve the visitor experience and bring support to local businesses in often fragile communities as well as more community and cultural events to the Highland Region of Scotland."

Nearly 40 clans from around the world attended Bannockburn Live over the weekend and showed off their family colours and histories. The two-day public event also featured Battle of Bannockburn re-enactments, crafts and storytelling sessions.

The latest funding announcement coincided with a meeting between Scottish Clans and Mr Ewing to discuss the Scottish Clan Forum which will be launched later this year.

More information about the fund is available at http://www.eventscotland.org/funding-and-resources/scottish-clan-event-fund/