Scotland’s Islands calls for event funding applications

Issued by: Profile Plus

The Scotland’s Islands project is appealing to organisers of events which showcase 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 highlight the diverse mix of activities found in the islands.

The year of events and activities to showcase Scotland’s Islands gets underway 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.

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.

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 at Scotland Food & Drink, commented: “£800 million per year is spent on food and drink by overnight visitors to Scotland. 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."

Residents of The Highlands are being asked to contact Scotland’s Islands or their local council for more information on how to apply.

Convener of The Highland Council, Councillor Sandy Park 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.”

Scotland’s Islands has been developed through a partnership of the six local authorities with island communities – Argyll and Bute, Highland, North Ayrshire, Orkney, Shetland and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles).   The project team is chaired by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.  Other stakeholders include Highlands & Islands Enterprise, Event Scotland and VisitScotland.

For more information on the Scotland’s Islands initiative visit: www.scotlandsislands.com

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