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Local Clan events to benefit from over £26,000 in funding.

Over £26,000 in funding has been offered to support clan events as part of Homecoming Scotland celebrations in the year ahead, Enterprise and Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing announced yesterday.

All ten applicants to the Scottish Government’s Clan Event Fund have been offered grant support to stage events across the country in 2014/15.

The £200,000 fund was put in place to support the planning and delivery of local Clan events as part of Homecoming celebrations in 2014 and beyond.

Such events are a major attraction to the hundreds of thousands from across the globe who visit Scotland to explore their ancestry.

Mr Ewing said: “I am delighted to announce this initial allocation of funding through the Clan Event Fund, which is intended to support ten Clan events taking place across Scotland in the year ahead.

“This includes a number of international Clan gatherings which will bring thousands of visitors to Scotland, generating income and providing a colourful spectacle in those communities where they take place.

“This is the year that Scotland gives a warm welcome to visitors from around the world as we showcase the history and traditions of Scottish Clans during our second year of Homecoming.

“Not only will the Scottish Clan Event Fund help support activities during this year’s celebrations, but will also provide a legacy by supporting Clan events through to our planned Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology in 2017.”