2017 A SPOTLIGHT ON: EventScotland
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A SPOTLIGHT ON: 2017
EVENTSCOTLAND
TOP LINE STATISTICS1
£5.4M
INVESTED BY £113M VISITSCOTLAND BUSINESS
EVENTS 2016/17
EVENTSCOTLAND2 NEI GENERATED3
£21M NEI
FROM 38 CONFERENCES SECURED
135
NUMBER OF EVENTS
39%
OUTSIDE EDINBURGH
THROUGH NATIONAL CONFERENCE
BID FUND.
FUNDED2 AND GLASGOW4
NOTES:
1
Covers 2016/2017 events.
65%
2
Includes International, National, Beacon, Clan Events,
58% : 42% 1,792
Golf, Year of Innovation, Architecture & Design,
Scotland’s Winter Festivals.
INVESTMENT OUTSIDE 3
et Economic Impact from International, National,
N
CULTURE : SPORT RATIO
4
FTE JOBS SUPPORTED 3
SUMMER WINDOW4 Beacon, Clan Events & Golf programmes.
4
International, National & Beacon programmes only.
WELCOME
Director of Events’ Report
The last 12 months has been another outstanding year for the Scottish events industry
as we continued to sustain and grow the sector by developing the assets that are the
“
”
2017 has been another amazing year cornerstone of our national strategy and which contribute to Scotland’s sustainable
economic growth agenda.
for Scotland’s events industry as we Over the coming pages you will see some of the outstanding work that has taken place
across the sector and the country throughout the year. From Edinburgh celebrating its 70th
continue to deliver world-class events anniversary as the world’s leading Festival City to the Badminton World Championships
at the Emirates Arena, Scotland in Six on World Heritage Day and the continuation of
across the country and drive economic the INNOVATETHENATION series, our portfolio of cultural, sporting and business events
continues to deliver positive impacts both economically and socially for Scotland.
impact through event tourism. Going forward, the supply chain of events to take place in the coming years shows
our national strategy is working. This year we secured the LEN European Short Course
Swimming Championships 2019 and took custodianship of the 2019 European
Athletics Indoor Championships and The 2019 Solheim Cup. Next year will see
Glasgow host its first major multi-sport events since the Commonwealth Games with
the inaugural European Championships, while Scotland’s Themed Years initiative
will focus on our young people, a legacy of our Youth Olympics bid with an exciting
programme of events and festivals entirely co-designed by young people and the
events and festivals sector.
All this stands us in good stead for the future and shows why Scotland truly is the
perfect stage for events.
Paul Bush OBE
Director of Events
01
EUROPEAN ATHLETICS
INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS
HANDOVER TO SCOTLAND
European Athletics is set to return to Glasgow for the first time in nearly 40 years when the city plays host to the
35th European Athletics Indoor Championships in 2019.
The countdown to the Championships officially started on 5 March, this year, in Belgrade, where Glasgow based
athlete Laura Muir alongside UK Athletics President, Jason Gardener, were handed the flag by the 2017 hosts on
the final day of competition.
More than 600 athletes from the 50 European Athletics Member Federation countries are expected to take part
in the three-day event which will take place from 1 – 3 March 2019 at the Emirates Arena.
The right to host the Championships was secured on 23 April 2016 by EventScotland (for Scottish Government)
and partners: UK Athletics, Glasgow City Council, and Scottish Athletics who will also be responsible for delivering
this prestigious event. The 2019 event will build upon Scotland’s legacy as a global leader in delivering world-class
events – swiftly following the Glasgow 2018 European Championships and taking place just six months before The
2019 Solheim Cup.
“
” I am delighted the next European Athletics Indoor Championships
will be in Glasgow, which has been my home for the past five years.
Glasgow has staged amazing athletics competitions so it’s going to
be a great event for both athletes and spectators alike. Competing
in front of a home crowd always gives you an extra boost so it’s
going to be especially exciting for all the GB athletes involved.
Laura Muir, Double European Indoor Champion and Great British athlete
EUROPEAN ATHLETICS INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS FLAG HANDOVER, BELGRADE
02 | 03
70 YEARS AS A
Attracting attendances of 4.5 million annually from around the globe and generating
economic impact of £280 million and £313 million for Edinburgh and Scotland respectively,
the 11 major festivals make a huge contribution to the international reputation and
economic vitality of Edinburgh and Scotland.
FESTIVAL CITY To celebrate this year’s anniversary, each festival celebrated the moment with special
events and programmes – in particular the three festivals that began it all in 1947.
The Edinburgh International Festival Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom, transformed
An important theme in our Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology St Andrew Square into a magical night garden through light and sound installations and
was the 70th anniversary of Edinburgh as the world’s leading Festival large-scale projections, charting the joyful transformation of Edinburgh, from the darkness
City. Since their inception in 1947, Edinburgh’s Festivals have grown and division of the post-war years to the colour and vibrancy of today’s Festival City.
to become an essential arts, culture and tourism platform that
defines how the Scottish capital is viewed. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe marked the occasion with the first ever World Fringe Day.
Held on the 11 July, events took place across continents as Fringes came together to
celebrate 70 years of the Fringe movement and pay tribute to Edinburgh as the
birthplace of the Fringe concept.
Meanwhile, the Edinburgh International Film Festival ed film fest memories project
brought together the public’s memories alongside those of the festival’s most prized
images from the last 70 years in a citywide exhibition.
Each was supported with investment from EventScotland in recognition of the
important role they have played in establishing Edinburgh as a world-class Festival City.
“
” In 1947 the Edinburgh Festivals were born,
using culture to bring people together after
World War II. Over the decades we’ve built
on that spirit of internationalism, innovation
and creative excellence – and in 2017, as we
recognised seventy years of achievement,
Edinburgh’s Festivals once again made
Edinburgh the global cultural capital and
enabled audiences to dream, reflect and
SUPPORTED BY
imagine a better future.
EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OPENING EVENT – BLOOM, 4 & 5 AUGUST © KENNY LAM INTERNATIONAL EVENTS PROGRAMME Sorcha Carey, Chair, Festivals Edinburgh
04 | 05
SECURING LEN
EUROPEAN
SHORT COURSE
SWIMMING
CHAMPIONSHIPS
Scotland’s position as a world-leading major event host was reaffirmed in March when Ligue Européenne
de Natation (LEN) announced that Glasgow was successful in its bid to host the European Short Course
Swimming Championships 2019.
Delivered in partnership by Glasgow Life on behalf of Glasgow City Council, EventScotland, British Swimming and
UK Sport, the Championships is set for Tollcross International Swimming Centre between 4 – 8 December 2019.
The biennial event, which was last held in the UK in 1998 in Sheffield, will see athletes from all across Europe
make their way to Glasgow to compete in 40 short course (25 metre) swimming events.
The European Short Course Swimming Championships 2019 builds on the bid partners’ existing strong
partnership with LEN, working together to deliver the Glasgow 2018 European Championships and the
European Junior Championships for swimming and diving in Aberdeen in 2020.
“ This is a really important Championships which will be the last event of 2019 – the
” year before the Olympics in Tokyo. We’re delighted that it will be held in Glasgow,
following the successful bid and efforts of all partners, and we will be looking
forward to seeing some strong performances as new talent emerges on the eve
of the Olympic Games.
TOLLCROSS SET TO HOST LEN EUROPEAN SHORT COURSE SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2019 © SIMON WILKINSON/SWPIX.COM
David Sparkes OBE, former Chief Executive of British Swimming
06 | 07
EUROPEAN RUGBY
CHAMPIONS CUP AND
CHALLENGE CUP FINALS
Scotland’s largest stadium, BT Murrayfield, welcomed 80,000 fans over two days in May for the showpiece
finals of the European Rugby Champions Cup and Challenge Cup. Fans from over 40 countries bought tickets
to see the two finals which saw teams from England and France contest both finals on consecutive days.
Saracens made history when they became the fourth club to win Europe’s premier club title in back-to-back
seasons, beating ASM Clermont Auvergne in the Champions Cup Final, while Stade Français Paris won the
Challenge Cup, defeating Gloucester Rugby.
It was the first time both finals had been played in Edinburgh and it was a fantastic weekend of rugby,
delivering a direct economic benefit of £21.3 million for the Scottish capital and £29.5 million on the wider
national economy, in a report by The Sports Consultancy.
Scottish Rugby made their successful bid, with support from EventScotland and the City of Edinburgh Council,
to European Professional Club Rugby to host the finals after successfully hosting the final of the Guinness
PRO12 in 2016.
” The event drew over 80,000 rugby fans from across the world to the
“
finals and that demonstrates how attractive visiting Edinburgh is, and
the huge role that sport plays in the economy. We were delighted to
host such a prestigious occasion in the country’s biggest stadium and
intend to bring other similar international events to Edinburgh, and
Scotland, in the coming years.
Dominic McKay, Scottish Rugby’s Chief Operating Officer SUPPORTED BY
EUROPEAN RUGBY CHAMPIONS CUP AND CHALLENGE CUP FINALS,
BT MURRAYFIELD STADIUM, 12 & 13 MAY INTERNATIONAL EVENTS PROGRAMME
08 | 09
IRONMAN 70.3
EDINBURGH
EventScotland was proud to welcome IRONMAN to Scotland for the first time ever on
2 July this year. IRONMAN 70.3 Edinburgh attracted over 1,700 athletes from 39
countries with athletes coming from as far afield as Angola, Egypt and New Mexico to
be part of IRONMAN history. Athletes competed in a 1.2 mile swim at Preston Links, a 56
mile cycle through the countryside of East Lothian and Midlothian and a 13.1 mile run
in Holyrood Park with Arthur’s Seat providing the backdrop to the finish line. Andreas
Raelert (GER) won the men’s race with a finish time of 03:55:21 while GB’s Emma Pallant
won the woman’s race with a time of 04:23:17. Both Pallant and Raelert praised the
Edinburgh race for its challenging course, beautiful landscape and supportive crowd of
12,000 along the course route.
The second edition of the event will take place on 1 July next year and is another
great example of why Scotland is the perfect stage for events by not only showcasing
Scotland’s natural assets but also highlighting our warm and welcoming people.
“
” Edinburgh and East Lothian was such a natural host
for IRONMAN – great locations, facilities, scenery,
communities and knowledgeable support from our
partners. EventScotland’s support was critical to getting
this off the ground with advice and practical support.
It simply wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.
Together we were all able to deliver something pretty
special and that will grow in the coming years.
Paul McGreal, Race Director, Edinburgh
SUPPORTED BY
ATHLETES COMMENCE THE IRONMAN 70.3 EDINBURGH RACE AT PRESTON LINKS © GETTY IMAGES INTERNATIONAL EVENTS PROGRAMME
10 | 11
2017 YEAR OF HISTORY,
From World Heritage Sites to ancient monuments, listed
buildings to historic battlefields, cultural traditions to our
myths, stories and legends, the 2017 Year of History, Heritage
and Archaeology has enabled both visitors and locals to come
HERITAGE AND face-to-face with Scotland’s past through a range of new and
exciting experiences.
ARCHAEOLOGY
Building upon the momentum generated by preceding
Themed Years, the year has been delivered by VisitScotland and
EventScotland, with the support of a variety of partners including
Historic Environment Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise,
Built Environment Forum Scotland, Heritage Lottery Fund, Creative
Scotland, Museums Galleries Scotland and Traditional Arts and
Culture Scotland.
Alongside a number of significant anniversaries including the 70th
anniversary of Edinburgh as a world leading Festival City, plus our
world-renowned historic collections, castles and heritage heroes,
the country’s colourful and intriguing past has been showcased
across a range of both new and existing events supported
through the dedicated 2017 event fund.
From Viking Festivals to a Great Roman Bake-Off, light
installations to a celebration of equine heritage, 2017 has made
history by bringing Scotland’s traditions to life in a modern,
contemporary way.
Highlighting the strong partnership engagement achieved
throughout the year, in addition to the ten new ‘signature’ events,
256 events registered as part of the official partner programme,
there were more than 50,000 uses of the #HHA2017 and around
600 downloads of the partner logo which was used across multiple
channels. Core partners including the Heritage Lottery Fund and
Historic Environment Scotland created new programmes, campaigns
and events aligned to and in celebration of the year to maximise the
opportunity for collaboration and impact.
FACING THE PAST WITH SCOTLAND’S WORLD
HERITAGE SITES FOR 2017 YEAR OF HISTORY,
HERITAGE & ARCHAEOLOGY © JAMES GLOSSOP
12 | 13
SCOTLAND
IN SIX
Scotland’s six UNESCO World Heritage Sites span thousands of
years and hundreds of miles, and represent the most internationally
significant examples of our cultural and natural heritage.
On World Heritage Day 2017 (18 April), these World Heritage
Sites were celebrated for the first time through a wide-range
of activity coordinated by Dig It! 2017 entitled Scotland in
Six, a key highlight of the 2017 Year of History, Heritage
and Archaeology.
From a battle of the bands in Edinburgh’s New Town to a
steampunk party at the Forth Bridge, a Minecraft celebration of St
Kilda to a glow-in-the-dark evening of storytelling, food and music
at the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, Scotland in Six marked this special
day with a series of unique and innovative events for both visitors
and locals to enjoy.
“
” Our aim is to bring the history of Scotland’s
World Heritage Sites to life in the most fun and
engaging way possible, and Scotland in Six
certainly did that! Ranging from ‘guerrilla knitters’
at New Lanark to a Picts versus Romans race at
the Antonine Wall. Donning a Roman sword
and helmet to race round the Antonine Wall
is certainly one of my highlights of the Year of
History, Heritage and Archaeology!
Dr Rebecca Jones, Head of Archaeology and World Heritage,
CABINET SECRETARY FOR CULTURE, TOURISM AND EXTERNAL
Historic Environment Scotland
AFFAIRS, FIONA HYSLOP AT SCOTLAND IN SIX © NEIL HANNA
14 | 15TOTAL BWF
BADMINTON WORLD
CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017
Hailed as an outstanding success, Glasgow 2017 was watched live by thousands of spectators at the
Emirates Arena and broadcast to more than 600 million households throughout the world.
From 21 to 27 August, hundreds of staff, officials and volunteers worked tirelessly to provide a perfect stage
for players from 43 nations, who in turn provided a week of world-class action and countless memorable
moments of excitement, audacity and sheer brilliance.
The event culminated in a thrilling finals day which featured what has been widely described as the best
ever women’s singles final, as well as the first European winner of the men’s singles in 20 years.
British successes included a mixed doubles bronze medal for Chris and Gabby Adcock and a quarter-final
place for Scotland’s Kirsty Gilmour, who only narrowly missed out on a bronze medal of her own.
In addition, Shuttle Time Big Hit Festivals provided thousands of schoolchildren with the chance to try their
hand at the sport during World Championships week, as well as the opportunity to watch world-class
competitive action – an initiative that hopes to inspire the next generation of stars in this country.
“
” The dedication of the staff and volunteers was instrumental to the success of
the World Championships and the outstanding venue created an excellent
platform for the staging of a world-class event. BWF congratulate all the
effort and hard work put in to make the TOTAL BWF World Championships
in Glasgow a stellar event.
Poul-Erik Høyer Larsen, Badminton World Federation President
SUPPORTED BY
MEN’S SINGLE CHAMPION VIKTOR AXELSEN (DENMARK)
© BADMINTON SCOTLAND INTERNATIONAL EVENTS PROGRAMME
16 | 17IFSC CLIMBING WORLD CUP
EICA:Ratho, Europe’s largest indoor climbing arena, took centre stage for
the second Paraclimbing Cup and fifth IFSC World Cup in Lead and Speed
of 2017.
AND PARACLIMBING CUP Held in September, the sold-out event attracted more than 1,200
spectators, athletes and coaches. Slovenia’s Janja Garnbret and France’s
Romain Desgranges won the Lead events, while Speed stars Anouck
Jaubert of France and Italian Ludovico Fossali won in the Speed events.
In the Paraclimbing Cup, France’s Mathieu Besnard, World Champions
Elodie Orbaen of Belgium, Maureen Beck of the United States, and Israel’s
Nive Porat, plus Mor Michael Sapir, also from Israel, all took gold in the
RP categories (limited range, power or stability). In the visual impairment
categories, both Tanja Glusic of Slovenia and Italian Matteo Stefani
impressed the audience in Edinburgh to each claim victory, while, Kevin
Bartke of Germany and Julien Gasc of France beat a strong field in the leg
amputee category.
It was also a good weekend for GB climbers with five podium finishes in
the Paraclimbing Cup and Hannah Slaney finishing 7th in her first Lead final.
Organised by Edinburgh Leisure, in conjunction with the British
Mountaineering Council, and with the support of the City of Edinburgh
Council and EventScotland, this was the first time the IFSC World Cup has
been held in Edinburgh since 2003 and the first time a Paraclimbing Cup
has ever been held in Scotland.
“
” After months of planning, this was the biggest
event the EICA:Ratho has ever hosted. The support
from our partners, and of course all our staff and
volunteers, meant we delivered a world-class event
that wowed spectators, competitors and coaches.
With climbing set to feature in the Olympic Games
Tokyo 2020, it has really put climbing and the EICA
SUPPORTED BY
on the map for both a UK and worldwide audience.
Lindsay Renwick, Head of Customer Operations,
IFSC CLIMBING WORLD CUP AND PARACLIMBING CUP, EICA: RATHO, 23 & 24 SEPTEMBER © FINALCRUX FILMS INTERNATIONAL EVENTS PROGRAMME Edinburgh Leisure
18 | 19BEACON
EVENTS
PROGRAMME
The Beacon Programme continued to complement
EventScotland’s International and National Events Programmes
this year, investing in some of the country’s most treasured
national events and festivals.
The programme provides grants for annual Scottish events, which
generate tourism benefits, contribute significantly to the impact
areas in the national events strategy, and are examples of best
practice in the sector.
Funding was awarded to eight events taking place the length and
breadth of Scotland; St Magnus International Festival (Orkney),
Gordon Castle Country Fair and Highland Games (Moray);
Wigtown Book Festival (Dumfries and Galloway); Scottish Series
and the Cowal Highland Gathering (both Argyll & Bute), StAnza
(Fife) and the Baillie Gifford Borders Book Festival (Scottish Borders).
The funding awarded to each of these events helped to ensure
their growth and development. St. Magnus International Festival
put their funding towards their programme including a new
community street parade to mark the 900th anniversary of the
death of St Magnus and Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and
Archaeology. The parade was well attended and helped to boost
the overall attendance figures of the festival.
Gordon Castle Country Fair and Highland Games used their grant
to extend the event to two days, which saw more than 8,000
people flock to the impressive grounds of Gordon Castle estate.
SUPPORTED BY
To celebrate the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, a
vintage day was added to the programme focusing on traditional
JUDY MURRAY OBE AT THE WIGTOWN BOOK FESTIVAL 2017 BEACON EVENTS PROGRAMME skills, dress, music and agriculture from 1900s to 1940s, harking
back to the castle’s heyday.
20 | 21NATIONAL EVENTS
SUPPORTED BY FRIGHTENED RABBIT PLAY ELECTRIC FIELDS, DRUMLANRIG CASTLE, 1 - 2 SEPTEMBER
NATIONAL EVENTS PROGRAMME
PROGRAMME
From battle re-enactments to enduro events, open-air music
concerts to high-octane mountain running, 2017 was yet
another outstanding year for EventScotland’s National Events
Programme. A total of 30 events from across 18 local authorities
received grants to support event delivery and help develop
Scotland’s diverse events portfolio.
Among those to receive support was the European Dodgeball
Championships, the first major event for the sport in Scotland.
This iconic competition saw men’s, women’s and mixed squads
from across Europe battle it out for a qualifying place at the
2018 World Cup. Funding ensured that thousands of enthusiasts
around the world could stream the event with 26,000 viewers
tuning in to watch the action across the weekend.
The year also saw the return of both the British Transplant Games
and the World Gold Panning Championships to Scotland. The
British Transplant Games, held in North Lanarkshire, was hailed
as the best ever with around 750 athletes and more than 2,000
supporters at the life-affirming event. Returning to Scotland for
the first time in 25 years, the World Gold Panning Championships
saw participants from across the globe compete in Moffat for a
chance to be crowned World Champion.
Other standout events supported through the event fund,
included the Aberdeen Mela – One World Day, Electric Fields,
The Spree, Skyline Scotland, Etape Loch Ness, Scotland’s Salmon
Festival and the Highland Military Tattoo.
22 | 23SCOTTISH CLAN
SUPPORTED BY CLAN MEMBERS AT EDINBURGH CASTLE ESPLANADE TO PROMOTE SPLASH OF TARTAN © ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO
SCOTTISH CLAN EVENT FUND
EVENT FUND
It’s been an unforgettable year for the clans in 2017; Scotland’s Year of History,
Heritage and Archaeology saw 57 clans and chiefs take part in The Royal Edinburgh
Military Tattoo’s ‘Splash of Tartan’ programme and a record 17 clan events supported
through the Scottish Clan Event Fund (SCEF).
Over 50 events have been awarded funding since the fund was launched in 2013, with an
overall award total of £171,625, including 13 events still to come across 2018 and 2019.
Supported clans and heritage organisations have reported that the SCEF has made
a huge impact on their events, appreciating both the funding as well the contact
with VisitScotland and the Events Directorate and associated partner programmes.
The fund is open for applications from clan societies as well as community interest
groups and other organisations arranging events which celebrate Scotland’s clan
histories and Scottish ancestry.
“
” Funding through the SCEF has enabled us to produce events
which we otherwise would not have done. These events have
attracted visitors to Scotland, supported local service providers,
musicians and manufacturers. It is my firm belief that, in order to
attract visitors to Scotland, we must first have something special
to offer them. The funding from EventScotland has enabled us
to provide just such attractions and we hope to continue to do
so in the future, building on this excellent foundation. Our clan
membership has increased with over 100 new applications in
the last 12 months, this is a reflection of the interest which has
been created by these events.
Pam Rotheroe-Hay, Treasurer, Clan Hay Society
24 | 25SUCCESS ON
SCOTLAND’S
FAIRWAYS: 2017
GOLF EVENTS
There was only one place to be if you wanted to watch the world’s best golfers in
2017. Scotland once again lived up to its reputation as the Home of Golf with a
world-class portfolio of golf events across the country.
Six top-class professional events took place across Scotland, supported by
EventScotland, covering all levels of the professional game from men’s, ladies’,
developmental and seniors’ tours. These included a Major championship with the
Ricoh Women’s British Open being played for the first time over the stunning Fife
coastal links of Kingsbarns.
It was also a first for both the men’s and ladies’ Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish
Opens which were staged on the same course in an historic move. In addition the
Ladies Scottish Open was also staged as a ground-breaking co-sanctioned event
between the Ladies European Tour and the LPGA. Dundonald Links in Ayrshire
welcomed both tournaments during a three-week period in July.
Events such as these, along with the star studded Alfred Dunhill Links
Championships in St Andrews in October, ensured inspirational images of Scotland
were beamed to a global audience with a reach of more than 500 million homes
worldwide. There is no doubt that Scotland continues to solidify its position as a
world leader in golf tourism and as an events destination.
The continued support of events including the Scottish Hydro Challenge, Scottish
SUPPORTED BY Seniors Open and the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open Qualifier
cements Scotland’s commitment to providing opportunities for participation and
growing the game in Scotland and beyond.
I.K. KIM WINS THE WOMEN’S BRITISH OPEN AT KINGSBARNS LINKS, 3 - 6 AUGUST © KEVIN KIRK INTERNATIONAL EVENTS PROGRAMME
26 | 27THE 2019 SOLHEIM CUP
COUNTDOWN IS ON
Scotland, the Home of Golf, officially became the next host nation for the biggest
event in women’s golf when the baton was handed over during the closing ceremony
of The 2017 Solheim Cup at Des Moines Golf & Country Club in Iowa in August.
Scottish junior golfers Anna Mackay and Eilidh Henderson represented Scotland on
stage in front of a worldwide TV audience during the ceremony, which also featured
a stirring performance from Scottish band Be Charlotte, as the focus turned to
Gleneagles in 2019.
Catriona Matthew, Scotland’s most successful female golfer, also gave the event a
further boost when she was named European team captain for The 2019 Solheim Cup,
fulfilling a lifetime ambition of captaining the team in her home country.
“
” Catriona is without doubt one of Scotland’s most successful
sporting icons and I am delighted that she has been given
the honour of captaining the European side in her home
country. I have no doubt that Catriona will prove to be
an inspiration as captain as she has done throughout her
playing career and serve as a role model for thousands of
junior golfers, not just in Scotland but across the globe.
The Right Honourable Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland MSP
CATRIONA MATTHEW TEES OFF DURING THE 2017 SOLHEIM CUP AT DES MOINES GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB,
18 - 20 AUGUST © TRISTAN JONES
28 | 29SCOTTISH GOLF
TOURISM WEEK
In a year when new research revealed the value of the golf tourism sector in Scotland
has soared to more than £286 million annually, the industry received a further boost
with the successful staging of the second Scottish Golf Tourism Week.
Featuring almost 70 of the leading international golf tour operators from 37 countries
worldwide, Scottish Golf Tourism Week provided the opportunity for more than 80
Scottish businesses to meet face-to-face with buyers on home turf through a series
of networking appointments and familiarisation trips.
In total almost 3,500 meetings were held with tour operators who represent more
than 40,000 travelling golfers to Scotland, playing 225,000 rounds of golf. The success
of the week came hot on the heels of newly commissioned research by VisitScotland
and Scottish Enterprise which revealed the value of Scotland’s golf tourism sector had
increased by £60 million in the last 10 years and is on course to meet the industry
target of £300 million by 2020.
“
” The Scottish golf tourism industry is a vital contributor
to Scotland’s overall visitor economy and we continue
to look to grow the sector through the staging of major
events as well as innovative consumer and trade activity.
The Scottish Golf Tourism Week is a fantastic example
of activity which can bring real and tangible growth to
this sector.
Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events
THE 9TH HOLE OF THE AILSA COURSE, TRUMP TURNBERRY
30 | 31With more ways than ever to celebrate, Scotland’s Winter
SCOTLAND’S WINTER
Festivals 2017/18 is bigger and better than ever with 23 events
across 17 local authority areas. From toasting our patron
saint on St Andrew’s Day to Burns Night in January, and with
Hogmanay in between, locals and visitors alike are encouraged
FESTIVALS 2017/18 to join in the spirit and fun of Scotland’s winter season.
Nine supported St Andrew’s Day events encouraged everyone
to celebrate Scotland’s cultural strengths with the beautiful light
displays at illumination: Harbour Festival of Light and St Andrew’s
Day: At the Ends of the Earth or by walking the historic streets of
Glasgow during the St Andrew’s Day Torchlight Parade, all to keep
the spirit of St Andrew alive.
Six Hogmanay events have received support to give communities
a platform to kick start 2018. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay will return
with some fantastic new flavours such as Bairns Afore, Ceilidh
Under the Castle, and Hogmanay HQ. Three island events will
be supported with Per Mare Stromness Yule Log Competition
and Shetland Arts’ Hogmanay 2017 joining the programme for
the first time and An Lanntair’s Winter Festivals in Stornoway
returning with entertainment all winter long.
To end the Winter Festival period, eight events will celebrate
Burns’ birthday. From the traditional to the contemporary,
there will be a Burns Night to suit all from Big Burns Supper
in Dumfries, to celebrating in the national bard’s birthplace in
Ayrshire with Burns Alicht to a new contemporary multi-arts
festival in Edinburgh, Burns Unbroke.
“
” The successful expansion of our winter
festivals programme, including a week-long
celebration for St Andrew’s Day, has been
strengthened by the support of Scotland’s
Winter Festival fund. An Lanntair, as an
island organisation, know it is especially
important to be marking these days of
national importance and are grateful to
EventScotland for their support.
Alex Macdonald, Head of Performing Arts,
An Lanntair
ILLUMINATION: IRVINE HARBOUR’S FESTIVAL OF LIGHT © OMAR SALAM
32 | 332017 NATIONAL
EVENTS CONFERENCE:
Setting the Stage for 2025
The 2017 National Events Conference lived up to its billing as the flagship industry
conference for the events and festivals sector in Scotland. With a full-house of 300
delegates, including over 40 speakers, the venue was buzzing and the discussion inspiring.
Taking place at the Strathclyde University Technology & Innovation Centre, Glasgow on
Monday 27 November, the conference focussed on the future of Scotland’s position
as the perfect stage for events. The aim was to provide the opportunity for colleagues
across the events and festivals sector to learn from an outstanding line-up of speakers
covering a broad range of relevant industry topics, plus benefit from the opportunity
to share experiences and network with industry colleagues.
Hosted by BBC sports presenter, Eilidh Barbour, the day included two plenary and
eleven breakout sessions, plus opening remarks from Cabinet Secretary for Culture,
Tourism & External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop MSP, and closing remarks from VisitScotland
Chairman, Lord Thurso. The opening plenary considered The Changing Audience for
Events. The session Chair was VisitScotland Director of Events, Paul Bush OBE, and
included the day’s keynote presentation by David Coletto, CEO of leading Canadian
public opinion and marketing research consultancy Abacus Data. The closing plenary
brought together five of the industry’s leading professionals to consider Scotland’s
Assets & The Perfect Stage. A wide range of topics were considered across the
eleven breakout sessions, including eventIMPACTS, the National Culture Strategy
Consultation, Inclusive & Accessible Events, Event Tech, Social Media as well as Security,
Stewarding & Policing.
DAVID COLETTO DELIVERS THE KEYNOTE PRESENTATION TO A FULL-HOUSE AT OUR FLAGSHIP INDUSTRY
CONFERENCE © CHRIS WATT PHOTOGRAPHY
34 | 35SHARING BEST
PRACTICE ACROSS
SCOTLAND
Throughout the year and across the country the Development team promoted best
practice with a series of 14 events including industry seminars, local learning sessions
and a national conference. These opportunities were created in response to industry
feedback and were delivered in partnership with a range of agencies, engaging around
600 industry partners and taking place in eight locations from Inverness to the Borders.
The year began with a national seminar delivered in partnership with Police Scotland and
COSLA on Local Authority Safety Advisory Groups. The session, which was webcast for
national reach, focused on establishing greater consistency of approach between Local
Authorities and the sharing of good practice.
In May the team partnered with Napier University to run a two-day Event Safety & Security
course for final year students and industry event managers.
Event security was a recurring theme throughout the year and we were pleased to
again partner with Police Scotland in June to coordinate seven events and festivals
focussed Counter Terrorism Awareness Briefings across Scotland as part of the national
Counter Terrorism Awareness Week.
In July the team partnered with ID Resilience to deliver a seminar on Event Resilience that
tested event organiser’s contingency plans against a range of crisis scenarios including
bad weather, IT failure and terrorism threat.
The team partnered with EventIt, Scotland’s event industry trade show, to deliver a series
of local learning workshops from August to October in Melrose, Inverness and Aberdeen.
These sessions provided attendees with an update on EventScotland funding and wider
promotional opportunities, plus a chance to discuss key concerns and share their
experience with industry colleagues.
LIGHT NIGHT, EDINBURGH’S CHRISTMAS © VISITSCOTLAND/PAUL TOMKINS
36 | 3725 ANNIVERSARY OF
TH
SCOTTISH THISTLE AWARDS
In March 2017, the Scottish Thistle Awards in association with Fishers announced the worthy
national winners for the event categories from the Regional Final winners.
2016/17 National Final
Caledonian MacBrayne - Event Connect -
Best Cultural Event or Festival Best Sporting Event
Glasgow 2015 FIG World Gymnastics
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay
Championships
This year’s 2017/18 Awards marks the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Thistle Awards and yet again
we have received record breaking entry figures of over 750 entries across five regions!
The winner’s from each of the regions will go head to head for the accolade of National Winner
at the National Final on Thursday 15 March 2018 at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.
The 5 regional winners for the event categories, going through to the National Final are:
2017/18 Awards
Caledonian MacBrayne - Event Connect -
Region
Best Cultural Event or Festival Best Sporting Event
Aberdeen City True North - Aberdeen’s Festival of Scottish National Age Group
and Shire Music and Song Swimming Championships
Central, Fife & Blair Castle International Horse Trials
Mhor Festival 2017, Balquidder
Tayside & Country Fair 2016
Highlands and
Hebridean Celtic Festival Fort William UCI Mountain Bike World Cup
Islands
Lothian &
Hidden Door, Edinburgh Edinburgh Marathon Festival
Borders
West Big Burns Supper Festival, Dumfries The 145TH Open, Royal Troon
For further details on ticket sales for the National Final in March 2018 and entries for the 2018/19 Awards,
please go to: scottishthistleawards.co.uk
WINNERS AT THE NATIONAL FINALS OF THE SCOTTISH THISTLE AWARDS 2016/17
38 | 39VISITSCOTLAND
EXPO
VisitScotland Expo, Scotland’s premier business-to-business travel trade event,
offered the perfect opportunity for all companies with a Scottish tourism product
to showcase their products and services to prospective and regular buyers.
VisitScotland Expo 2017 was held on 26 and 27 April at the Scottish Event Campus,
Glasgow. The event, open to exhibitors from all sectors of the industry and leisure
buyers from across the globe, marked its 39th year and was attended by over 270
exhibiting companies and 601 buyers from 30 countries.
Hosted buyers were taken on 23 pre-show and post-show familiarisation trips
showcasing all regions of Scotland from Shetland to Gretna, including themed
years and locations.
The exhibition provided a good opportunity to interact with buyers and other exhibitors
with a record 9,961 appointments being made. At the EventScotland stand, buyers
were informed about upcoming events and available packages for 2017 and 2018,
with a real mix of interest across both sport and cultural activity.
The VisitScotland Expo Dinner was held at Hilton Glasgow. The informal sit-down
dinner was attended by over 670 buyers, exhibitors and guests who enjoyed the
very best of Scottish hospitality and entertainment on offer.
“
” We were first time exhibitors in 2017 and we rebooked
immediately. The energy in the halls over the two days
was contagious and it really is a fantastic showcase
for Scotland and all its products in the sector.
Julie Grieve, CEO & Founder, Criton Apps
THE TEAM WAIT TO WELCOME 601 BUYERS AND 270 EXHIBITING
COMPANIES TO VISITSCOTLAND EXPO 2017 © CHRIS WATT
40 | 41VISITSCOTLAND
The VisitScotland Growth Fund continues to support groups across Scotland to
deliver collaborative marketing campaigns aimed at driving visitors to Scotland.
In the 2016/17 financial year there were 13 successful applicant groups who were
awarded a total of £341,440, which supported marketing activity across the country
GROWTH FUND to the value of £662,665.
The Growth Fund supports content focused marketing campaigns that are closely
aligned with the VisitScotland content driven marketing strategy as well as the national
strategy: Tourism Scotland 2020. In the last year the Growth Fund team has worked
with a wide range of destination and sectoral focused groups including Aberdeen
Festivals, Argyll & the Isles Tourism Cooperative, Discover Scottish Gardens and
Edinburgh World Heritage to name a few.
The groups have produced some fantastic digital content including videos, eBooks,
itineraries, interactive maps and blogs as well as delivering a mixture of promotional
activities including paid social, SEO, media partnerships and PR activity.
The Growth Fund has had positive feedback from its groups in a series of case studies,
with many highlighting that the fund had contributed hugely to raising their profile,
recognition and credibility, and has had a positive impact on engaging new and
maintaining existing memberships.
To read the case studies in full along with further Growth Fund information go to
visitscotland.org/growthfund.
“
” AITC had great ambition following the Wild
About Argyll Adventure & Film initiative with Mark
Beaumont, which generated lots of new content.
Growth Fund was instrumental in allowing
us to then deliver the year long Wild About
Argyll campaign throughout 2017 successfully
repositioning the region as Scotland’s Adventure
Coast and appealing to adventure seekers on our
doorstep in the Central Belt of Scotland.
Carron Tobin, Development Manager - AITC
MARK BEAUMONT ON THE COBBLER DURING WILD ABOUT ARGYLL FILMING © KIERAN J DUNCAN
42 | 43MEET IN
Meet in Scotland, one of VisitScotland Business Events’ flagship
events, was held in Edinburgh where the Business Events team
facilitated nearly 500 speed networking appointments in one
day between 25 Scottish partners and the same number of
SCOTLAND event planners from the UK, France, Germany, Switzerland and
Austria. The two-day event also showcased the region’s top
suppliers to UK and European event organisers, featuring local
food and drink, entertainment and venues, before embarking
on familiarisation trips to key event destinations throughout the
country. This year’s event was held in Edinburgh on 28 and 29
September, with a networking dinner at the Signet Library on
the Royal Mile then an overnight stay and appointment-driven
workshop at the newly renovated Principal Edinburgh
Charlotte Square.
The networking dinner saw guests being taken on a walking
tour, before being greeted by a fire and drums spectacular from
Beltane outside the Signet Library. After the drinks reception guests
enjoyed a clan-themed dinner on a long banquet table strewn
with candles and tartan. Caterers Heritage Portfolio pulled out
all the stops, while costumed actors from Mercat Tours and the
Scottish Ceilidh Band kept everyone entertained. The following
morning commenced with a destination presentation and then the
workshop began. Twenty appointments in one day, 15 minutes
each, gave UK and European event organisers plenty of opportunity
to discover what Scotland has to offer.
“
” Meet in Scotland is an excellent opportunity
for Edinburgh to showcase its business
tourism credentials to an influential group
of buyers and generate future conference,
meeting and incentive enquiries. Sponsoring
the welcome dinner is a great way to
enhance the event and give delegates
the full-Edinburgh experience pulling in
numerous local partners including Heritage
Portfolio, Mercat Tours and Beltane.
Amanda Ferguson, Head of Business Tourism,
MEET IN SCOTLAND NETWORKING DINNER © MAVERICK PHOTO AGENCY Convention Edinburgh
44 | 45VISITSCOTLAND
BUSINESS EVENTS ON
THE WORLD STAGE
The Business Events team attended IMEX Frankfurt – one of Europe’s biggest MICE
(Meetings, Incentives, Conference and Events) tradeshows – taking with them 17
industry partners from city convention bureaus, hotels, conference centres and
Destination Management Companies (DMCs). Over the course of three days, the
team welcomed nearly 500 visitors to the VisitScotland stand, held over 100 buyer
appointments, delivered 12 group presentations, hosted two on-stand receptions and
one press briefing. Thanks to the new virtual reality app, clients were transported from
Frankfurt to Scotland through 360 degree photos and videos, bringing to life the unique
variety of experiences that Scotland offer. In contrast to this, Scotland’s oldest bespoke
tailors, Stewart Christie & Co, provided creative flair, traditional fabrics and modern
manufacturing design thanks to a pop-up shop on the stand where delegates could
try on their beautiful hats and jackets.
The team led a delegation of 16 Scottish partners to IMEX America in October - the
largest meetings industry trade show in North America. During the show the team
delivered 14 group presentations, over 100 individual appointments, one on-stand
reception, launched a new social media campaign - Legends to members of the press
and welcomed nearly 400 visitors to the VisitScotland stand. Roddy Deans from Reel
Time Events provided buyers with traditional Scottish entertainment throughout the
three day show including Address to the Haggis, Ceilidh dancing and a whisky tasting
to help share the #Scotspirit.
VISITSCOTLAND BUSINESS EVENTS ON THE WORLD STAGE © IBTM
46 | 47INNOVATETHENATION
2017 saw the regional INNOVATE talk series go from strength
to strength. Highlighting Scotland’s innovation, strengths and
excellence within the Scottish Government’s growth sectors.
The series has brought together experts, influencers and the
next generation of innovators in a series of engaging public
events held throughout the country. These networking events
bring together experts in a variety of fields including Education,
Film, Robotics and Literature who can champion Scotland as a
destination for international business events. By exploring the
latest trends, Scotland discovers how business events can help
to grow networks and the country’s profile on the world stage.
VisitScotland Business Events marked the first anniversary of
its INNOVATETHENATION talk series with a special event
examining Scotland’s national ambassador programmes.
INNOVATEFORUM – held on 4 October at the Lighthouse in
Glasgow, Scotland’s national centre for design and architecture
– highlighted the success of the INNOVATETHENATION
series over the past year and how the role of the conference
ambassador could develop in the future.
Representatives from each of the Aberdeen, Edinburgh and
Glasgow Convention Bureaux participated in a panel discussion
looking at the evolution of Scotland’s ambassador programmes,
the benefits that association and academic meetings can bring to
the country and how the business events industry in Scotland can
benefit from opportunities in these sectors in the years ahead.
“
” Events such as INNOVATEROBOTICS help
to showcase what we can do now and
what we have the potential to do. I am
looking forward to being a part of this
exciting initiative and sharing the work
being done at SAMS.
Dr Phil Anderson, Head of Technology Development
NASA’S VALKYRIE, THE EDINBURGH CENTRE FOR ROBOTICS at SAMS
48 | 492018 LOOKS
YOUTH-FULL In 2018, Scotland puts its young people (with a focus on 8 – 26
year olds) in the spotlight, celebrating their talents, contributions
and creating new opportunities for them to shine during the
Year of Young People 2018.
EventScotland has developed a nation-wide programme which
for the first time, is entirely co-designed by young people and the
events and festivals sector. The programme includes both new
events and new programme strands for annual events. Highlights
of the exciting year-long events programme, which begins with
Edinburgh Hogmanay’s #Scotword project on the 30 December
2017, include Glasgow International Comedy Festival’s School
of Stand-up, Scotland’s first youth TEDxYouth@Glasgow,
Diverse CiTay Festival in Perth, Youth Beatz Festival in Dumfries,
The Big Takeover in Shetland, Las! Ignite! at An Lanntair in
Stornoway and The Sunday Mail Young Scot Awards.
There will also be a new young writers festival, a major festival
of theatre from National Theatre of Scotland, a science takeover
at Helix Park, home of the magnificent Kelpies and a three-day
celebration inspired by the opening of Moat Brae in Dumfries.
Young people from Dundee and across Scotland will also play a
central role in the year as a key part of V&A Dundee’s opening
event - a celebration of design creativity which will mark an
exciting new chapter in the city’s history.
2018 will also see a fantastic line-up of events with themes
ranging from sport, music and theatre to business and baking as
part of Create18 – an events programme co-ordinated by Young
Scot and led entirely by young people across the country with
support from EventScotland.
Further Year of Young People event programme details at
eventscotland.org/events.
YOUNG TRAD MUSIC GROUP HO-RO PERFORM AT GROOVE CAIRNGORM FESTIVAL, 2017
50 | 51GLASGOW 2018 EUROPEAN
CHAMPIONSHIPS
11 DAYS, 6 SPORTS, 1 INCREDIBLE EVENT
The wait will soon be over for one of the Attendances across all sports are expected to be in the region
most anticipated multi-sport events on of 250,000 and this will be the biggest sporting event held in
the planet, the Glasgow 2018 European Scotland since the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Championships. An estimated 3,000
athletes from 52 nations are set to take Festival 2018, a dynamic cultural festival involving a whole
part in 11 days of unmissable competition host of performances and artists will run alongside the
action across six sports. Aquatics, Cycling, Championships, showcasing the best of Scottish culture.
Golf, Gymnastics, Rowing and Triathlon Festival 2018 will see Glasgow’s George Square transformed
will combine to form one awe-inspiring into a vibrant creative hub; with Year of Young People 2018
event staged across Scotland’s world-class themes and the Merchant City Festival forming an integral
venues from 2 – 12 August. part of the celebrations.
Twelve venues in Scotland will stage this Funded by Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council,
incredible event including Glasgow’s iconic this new event is organised in partnership with participating
SSE Hydro (Gymnastics), Edinburgh’s Royal international and national sports federations, local authorities
Commonwealth Pool (Diving), Strathclyde and support from EventScotland.
Country Park (Rowing and Triathlon)
in North Lanarkshire and Gleneagles “
” The moment is almost here. The European
PGA Centenary Course (Golf) in Perth
& Kinross. A number of free events
Championships promises to be one of the
- including the Cycling Road Race in most exciting sporting and cultural events
Glasgow, Open Water Swimming at Loch ever experienced in this country and there
Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
and Mountain Bike at Cathkin Braes - will
will be something for everybody to enjoy.
also take place, giving as many people We want as many people as possible to
as possible the opportunity to witness come to Glasgow and Scotland and join
sporting history on their doorsteps.
us on this historic journey.
Colin Hartley, Glasgow 2018 Championships,
Director
© GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL
52 | 53SCOTLAND CONTINUES
ITS SUCCESS
Working in partnership, EventScotland continues to deliver on the
National Events Strategy – Scotland the Perfect Stage by securing
and staging world-class events. A flavour of international events
coming to Scotland in 2018 and beyond are:
/ World Junior Curling Championships 2018, Aberdeen
/ Glasgow International 2018
/ UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, Fort William 2018
/ Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open 2018 - 2020
/ Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open 2018 - 2020
/ The 147th Open, Carnoustie
/ Special Olympics GB Anniversary Games 2018, Stirling
/ Glasgow 2018 European Championships, across Scotland
/ Festival 2018, Glasgow and across Scotland
/ Edinburgh’s Festivals 2018 and beyond
/ Senior Open Championship 2018, St Andrews
/ V&A Dundee Opening Event 2018
/ 2019 European Athletics Indoor Championships, Glasgow
/ World Wheelchair Curling Championship 2019, Stirling
/ The 2019 Solheim Cup, Gleneagles
/ LEN European Short Course Swimming Championships 2019, Glasgow
/ World Men’s Curling Championship 2020, Glasgow
/ UEFA EURO 2020, Glasgow
SUPPORTED BY
/ Women’s British Open 2020
/ LEN Junior Championships 2020, Aberdeen INTERNATIONAL EVENTS PROGRAMME THE 147TH OPEN AT CARNOUSTIE GOLF LINKS © THE R&AEvents Directorate 5th Floor, Ocean Point One, 94 Ocean Drive, Edinburgh EH6 6JH information@eventscotland.org +44 (0) 131 472 2313 Photography supplied by the event organiser unless otherwise stated.
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