Tuesday, 03 June 2008 11:47

Argyll and Bute Council has allocated grant funding of £160,000 for leisure activities to celebrate Year of Homecoming 2009.

This funding will be split into £80,000 for larger events and £80,000 for smaller events. Organisations are invited to apply for these funds to promote a programme of activity in Argyll and Bute in 2009 that will deliver additional tourism visits and revenues; engage and motivate the Scottish Diaspora; celebrate Scotland’s outstanding contributions to the world; and promote pride amongst Scots at home and abroad.

Activities must link into two or more of the following:

- creatively represent Argyll and Bute’s cultural past or present to the local population and visitor.
- acknowledge the history of Argyll and Bute, key milestones and events.
- enhance the area's attractiveness for tourists through a celebration of the rich heritage of the area or its wide-ranging cultural programme.
- acknowledge the history of golf and whisky to the area.
- assist both the local community and visitors to expand knowledge of their ancestry.
- highlight the unique environment of Argyll and Bute for its residents and visitors.
- raise the profile of important cultural, heritage and religious sites in the area.
- highlight the history of emigration.
- celebrate global links throughout the world.
- reflect the history of communities in Argyll and Bute through the art of storytelling.
- is forward looking and challenges perceptions of contemporary highland life and communities.
- identify major internationally recognised creative talents and innovators associated with Argyll and Bute.

Council Leader, Councillor Dick Walsh, said: "Homecoming Scotland 2009 is aimed at encouraging people at home and abroad to take pride in their country once again and encourage the thousands of people overseas who are of Scottish descent to visit the area.

"A programme of inspirational events will run throughout 2009, complementing the vast range of world-class attractions already offered in Scotland. I therefore urge the people of Argyll and Bute to apply for this funding to enable the area to contribute and help deliver a wide range of events."

Jim Mather, Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism, said: “This is the first time that we as a nation have invited Scotland’s global family to come home and it is a wonderful opportunity for us all to use our connections, to spread the message and invite our extended families home in 2009.

“So I am really proud to see my constituency, Argyll AND Bute, take such a proactive role that recognises its power to bring people back and create lasting benefit from the Year of Homecoming.

“This year-long celebration will benefit our country in terms of additional tourism, which will contribute to our economy. But it’s also an outstanding opportunity to reconnect with the Scottish Diaspora around the world and provide impetus for them to visit their homeland.”

Completed applications should be returned by 26th of September 2008. All activities must demonstrate the economic benefits generated through tourism and must be completed by December 2009 with grants claimed by end of January 2010.

Further information can be obtained from Pat McCann, the Council's Acting Culture and Libraries Manager, on 01369 703214 or 01436 674626. The application form and accompanying criteria can be downloaded from the Council's website at www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/content/leisure/commadvice/3183365/3248898

EDITORS NOTES

Homecoming Scotland is funded by the Scottish Government and is managed by EventScotland in partnership with VisitScotland national tourism agency.

Homecoming Scotland 2009 aims to motivate people of Scottish descent, as well as those who simply love Scotland, to come home in 2009 and take part in an inspirational celebration of our culture, heritage and the many great contributions Scotland has given to the world.

For more information on Homecoming Scotland please visit www.homecomingscotland2009.com .