New Funding for Highlands
27 July 2010
New funding for a series of events in the Highlands to mark the year-long celebration of Scotland's iconic produce has been announced.
As part of the national drive to promote Scotland as a land of food and drink, additional funding of £25,000 has been awarded to events in the Highlands. This funding, which is in addition to financial support already being provided to a wide range of events across the Highlands, will support activity showcasing the finest Scottish cuisine and encouraging greater use of local and seasonal produce.
The events aim to build on the success of Homecoming 2009, which generated an additional £53.7 million in tourism revenue for Scotland's economy and helped secure 372,000 more visits to Scotland than in 2008. As a legacy of Homecoming Scotland 2009, Scotland's Year of Food and Drink (May 2010-May 2011) is the first in a series of focus years highlighting some of Scotland's great assets. The year will help support two of Scotland's key sectors - tourism and food and drink.
Speaking at a reception to recognise local food champions at the Clashmore Village Hall in Dornoch last night (Monday) which was hosted by the Cabinet, First Minister Alex Salmond said:
"The Year of Food and Drink is a fitting opportunity to celebrate the work of our wonderful local food and drink producers. The events in the Highlands that have been chosen to receive funding can help enhance Scotland's reputation as a land of food and drink.
"The food and drink sector is key to our economic recovery. Visitors to Scotland spend one pound in every five on food and drink-related activity and we produce some of the finest produce in the world"
More on this story at the Scottish Government website
