Events celebrating Scotland’s clan history are to be given more than £48,000 this year in an effort to attract international tourists to the country.
The 11 community gatherings will be supported by cash from the Scottish Clan Event Fund.
They include two in the Highlands, with the Clan MacLennan International Gathering and Clan Macleod Parliament receiving £4,350 and £5,000 respectively.
Further grants of £5,000 and £3,850 will support Orkney’s Clan Gunn Society International Gathering and Tartan Ties, the Clan Hay event that takes place in Aberdeenshire.
Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop announced the funding and said: “Scotland’s rich history is a huge draw for visitors from around the world.
VisitScotland estimates the 16 events funded last year delivered a net economic impact in excess of £1.7 million. Of those attending, 60% were said to be international visitors.
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s director of events, said: “Scotland is the perfect stage for events.
“The Clan Event Fund plays an important role in delivering this by ensuring visitors looking to explore their ancestry and connect with Scotland’s heritage are offered an authentic and engaging experience.”
The 2018 grants also include £5,000 to the Battle of Prestonpans Heritage Trust, for a commemoration event planned on September 15 and similar sums for two events in Argyll and Bute, the Clan Gregor International Gathering and the World Gathering of MacIntyres.
