Local clan events given backing

Three community events celebrating the history of the clans in Fife and Perth and Kinross are to receive help with their running costs.

The Scottish Clan Event fund was set up to support events that engage local communities and encourage international visitors.

Eleven events are receiving a share of more than £48,000 this year, including the Clan Stewart gathering in Fife, which is to get £2,700, while Clan Oliphant and Clan Donnachaidh gatherings in Perth and Kinross will receive £2,500 and £4,700, respectively.

It follows the success of 16 events last year, which were boosted to the tune of £47,550.

VisitScotland estimates 60% of those attending were international visitors and the net economic impact of the events was in excess of £1.7 million.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop confirmed the Clan Fund would support further events in 2019 and 2020.

Applications to the next funding round open in May.

Ms Hyslop said: “Scotland’s rich history is a huge draw for visitors from around the world and with up to 50 million people globally claiming Scottish ancestry, we know that our cultural heritage is one of our unique selling points as a ‘must visit’ destination.

“The Scottish Clan Event Fund is about tapping into that market and – crucially – supporting clan organisations to connect with and involve people within their local communities.”