24 January 2011: The Scotland’s Islands project is appealing to organisers of events which highlight the vibrant culture and creativity, outstanding natural environment and quality produce of Scotland’s Islands to come forward and apply for funding. In particular the steering committee is keen to hear from Islanders looking to organise food and drink related events in order to fill the calendar with a diverse mix of activities.
“Cultural organisations”
The year of events and activities to showcase Scotland’s Islands gets underway in April. While the first round of funding is now complete, Islanders can still get involved by submitting their applications to Scotland’s Islands before the close of the second round of funding on 14 February. Funding is also available through Awards For All, which has no set closing date. Successful applicants from round one funding include brand new events such as The Orkney Literature and Book Festival, The Uist Eco Film Festival and an exhibition of The Story of Two Slate Island Communities on Oban. Funding awarded also includes support for existing events such as The Hebridean Book Festival in Stornoway.
For more information on how to apply for funding from either body and to see what events are already involved, visit: www.scotlandsislands.com
Scotland’s Islands, a new collaborative marketing initiative developed through a partnership of the six local authorities with island communities, aims to raise the profile of the islands, attract new visitors, bolster community and economic development and strengthen links between the islands and mainland cultural organisations.
“Communities to highlight”
With a recent Deloitte report currently valuing Scotland’s tourism sector at £11 billion and VisitScotland predicting an additional 30,000 overseas visitors to Scotland during 2011, the Scotland’s Islands project represents a unique opportunity for local event organisers to develop their events and highlight the people, events and produce that make island life special.
Fiona Richmond, Access to Markets Foodservice Executive, Scotland Food & Drink, commented: “£800 million per year is spent on food and drink by overnight visitors toScotland. The country has a strong reputation for premium produce and is increasingly known as a land of food and drink.
“The Scotland’s Islands project is a fantastic way to bring producers and local communities together, showcasing the diverse range of quality produce Scotland’s Islands have to offer tourists from Scotland, the UK and abroad.”
Not only is funding and support available for events taking place on Scottish islands, funding is also available for events held on the mainland that showcase Scotland’s Island.
Head of Economic Development at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Project Lead, Joe MacPhee, said: “This funding is for all types of events, large and small. We are urging local groups to get in touch so that we can do everything we can to support their applications. This is a great opportunity for the communities to highlight what special and diverse culture our islands have.”
For more information on the Scotland’s Islands initiative visit: www.scotlandsislands.com
Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles
Leave a Reply