Local authority collaboration aims for global celebration of Scottish culture and heritage
Issued: 7 March 2008
A first-time local authority collaboration is highlighting Scotland's glorious past and future during celebrations for Tartan Day Scotland, a week-long programme of events running from Saturday, 29th March to Sunday, 6th April.
Special events and activities have been organised to showcase Scotland's people, heritage, history and culture and celebrate the country's legacy to the world.The celebrations mark the Declaration of Arbroath, the Scottish declaration of nationhood at Arbroath Abbey on 6th April, 1320.
It's the first time so many local authorities have worked across Scotland on a long term collaborative project at national level.The programme complements the national tourism strategy and builds on the success of Tartan Day in Canada and the US, which back in 2004 prompted Angus council to develop a parallel Tartan Day event on home territory.
Over the past four years the event has gone from strength to strength and this year eight local authorities across Scotland are taking part in the celebrations. Ultimately the ambition is for Tartan Day Scotland to be celebrated Scotland-wide by 2020, the seven hundredth anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath.
The initiative is part funded to the amount of £151,000 by the European Regional Development Fund as well as Angus Council, other participating local authorities and commercial sponsorship.
A recent feasibility study commissioned by Angus Council, has received strong support from councils and other cultural/heritage organisations, tourism operators, Scottish export businesses and Scots worldwide in favour of celebrating Tartan Day across Scotland.
Of those interviewed who were planning a trip to Scotland in the next five years, the majority said they would "definitely" or "probably" plan their holiday to coincide with Tartan Day Scotland, and those who had not planned to visit Scotland were more likely to consider visiting during the time of the Tartan Day celebrations.
The vision is now to adopt a long-term, evolutionary approach to the celebrations in preparation for the 700th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in 2020, involving all local authorities throughout Scotland as well as many other countries across the world.
The feasibility study predicts that by 2020 Tartan Day Scotland could provide a valuable dividend to the Scottish economy in terms of tourism and trade development.
A nationwide series of celebrations is also expected to bring other benefits to Scotland such as developing social and community links with the Scottish Diaspora around the world, opportunities to engage with and partner Tartan Day events around the world, helping to position Scotland as a contemporary quality product as well as generating a greater understanding of the historical importance of 6th April.
Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth John Swinney said: "This initiative demonstrates the value to be gained when all parts of government work together. Scotland has unrivalled cultural, historical and environmental assets to make it a premium destination for visitors from around the globe.
"Making the most of those assets and marketing what we have to offer effectively means the private sector and all parts of the public sector working towards a shared objective to increase Scotland's sustainable economic growth. I congratulate all the partners involved in developing Tartan Day Scotland and making real the benefits of our historic Concordat with local government."
Councillor Pat Watters, President of COSLA, said: "Tartan Day Scotland has the strong potential to renew a sense of pride in, and passion for, Scottish culture in Scotland.For 2008, we've developed a strong brand image for Tartan Day Scotland which reflects a feeling of quality and authenticity.
"Tartan Day is a fantastic opportunity for Scots to recognise a major landmark in their history and to celebrate it by bringing the world's attention to our country's creativity and innovation, our heritage, our people and our successes.
"Angus Council and the other local authority partners should be congratulated for continuing this exciting initiative and I wish them every continued success."
Philip Riddle, Chief Executive, VisitScotland, said: "Investing in developing new and exciting events such as Tartan Day Scotland, is exactly the type of imaginative activity that's going to encourage visitors and Scots to experience more of the fantastic things there are to do in Scotland. The celebrations will help extend the tourism season, something essential, if we are to achieve the industry ambition of growing tourism revenues by 50% by 2015".
Brian Cox, international actor and Tartan Day Scotland's first International Ambassador said, "In so many different ways, we have given much to the world, and I hope to see Tartan Day grow from strength to strength so that our families and friends can see 6th April as a great day for Scotland in the global community."
The programme of events incorporates nine days of ceilidhs, music and drama, thought-provoking debates, gala dinners, Highland Games, a special Robert the Bruce Celebration and international sporting events, including a top class golf tournament, culminating in the historic re-enactment of the Signing of the Declaration of Arbroath.
The full programme of events planned for Tartan Day Scotland 2008 can be found at www.tartandayscotland.com.
