Support for gathering of the clan

A Highland Perthshire gathering which will draw international visitors to Scotland has received support from the Scottish Clan Event Fund.

A total of 11 community events across Scotland are receiving support of more than £48,000 this year from the fund.

The total includes a grant of £4,700 for the Clan Donnachaidh Society Gathering which will take place in August in the Pitlochry area.

The fund supports events that engage local communities and encourage international visitors.

VisitScotland estimates 60% of those who attended similar events last year were international visitors and the net economic impact was in excess of £1.7 million.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said the clan fund would support additional events in 2019 and 2020. Applications for the next funding round will open at the end of 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.”