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A year of events and activities to showcase Scotland’s Islands’ vibrant cultures and creativity, natural environment and quality produce will get underway in April 2011. Scotland’s Islands, a new collaborative marketing initiative, will aim 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. 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 will be chaired by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. Other stakeholders include Highlands & Islands Enterprise, Event Scotland, VisitScotland and Awards for All. A programme of new and enhanced events on the islands will aim to raise community confidence and attract visitors, while commissioned flagship events on or between the islands and other events on the mainland will showcase island cultures and heritage on a national and potentially international stage. |
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Head of Economic Development at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Project Lead, Joe MacPhee, said: “We are very excited about this collaborative initiative between the islands. By working in partnership we can create the critical mass for more effective marketing, open up access to new markets and raise the islands’ profile as modern communities which are wonderful places to visit, live and do business. “This is also a tremendous example of how local authorities can work together to maximise resources and attract substantial inward investment.” Funding for the year-long programme of events, up to approximately £1.8m, will support events and activities in each island area, flagship events and an Awards for All programme. It also provides for a professional team delivering project and event management, marketing and PR to support the Scotland’s Islands’ initiative. Funding has been confirmed from the six local authority project partners - plus Highlands and Islands Enterprise, EventScotland, Awards for All and the European Regional Development Fund. Organisations are being invited to apply for funding support through the three rounds of funding with the first deadline for applications being 12 November. |
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“There is significant interest from all the island groups and we are delighted with the number and the nature of the projects that are being proposed as part of Scotland’s Islands, said Mr MacPhee. “It is these events that will provide the showcase for the unique attributes of our island communities and demonstrate what a significant contribution island culture and creativity brings to Scotland. We would encourage everyone to visit the Scotland’s Islands website and find out more about how they can get involved.” On 4 November, at the Scottish Parliament,MSP for the Western Isles, Alasdair Allan, and Scotland’s Island’s SteeringGroup will host an event for participating stakeholders and supporters, to update them on progress with the initiative.Minister of Culture and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop, will speak at the reception. For more information on the Scotland’s Islands initiative visit: www.scotlandsislands.com |
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