North-east coastal communities could benefit from tourism themed year extension
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Calls have been made for the Year of Coasts and Waters to continue on to next year to ensure coastal events can recover from the impact of coronavirus.
Local events set to be produced as part of the Scottish Government's themed year were cancelled due to lockdown and social distancing limitations.
These included the Portsoy Traditional Boat Festival, RSPB DolphinFest in Aberdeen, and concerts by the Nevis Ensemble across the region.
Troup councillor Mark Findlater has urged Holyrood to extend a programme it said: “would have brought benefit to many areas outside Edinburgh and Glasgow” before it was largely cancelled.
Mr Findlater, the Scottish Conservative candidate for Banffshire and Buchan Coast in the 2021 Holyrood elections, said the themed years have been bringing benefits to communities outside the Central Belt since 2009.
Since there will not be another government-funded theme year until 2022, Mr Findlater wants the whole programme to roll over to next year.
He said: “These themes are planned to give Scottish tourism an edge, with a little bit of investment to really promote and make these events larger than life.
“We should have been in the middle of the most exciting times for coastal communities, with a huge number of events getting fringe benefit from the branding and campaign.
“There is £15.5 million in specific culture funding that the SNP have been given by the UK Government that’s sitting somewhere in Edinburgh.
“Even a small percentage of that would help our coastal events and local economies bounce back next year.”
North East MSP Peter Chapman supported the call for the themed year to roll on to 2021.
He said: “I can’t think of a better shot in the arm for our local economies than the full Year of Coasts and Waters to be extended if possible.
“There’s no need to waste all that preparation.”
Scotland’s themed years have been running since 2009.
They now take place every second year with the planning, promotion and delivery taking place over a three-year period.
Previous beneficiaries of themed years were the villages around Loch Earn, Perth, Dundee’s first design parade, and Findhorn Bay Festival.
A spokesman for the Scottish Government said: “Work is already well under way to look at the feasibility of rescheduling funded Coasts and Waters events in 2021 and EventScotland will be reporting to the Culture Secretary shortly.
“We are also working to ensure that every penny of the £97 million consequentials received from the UK Government is used to support culture and heritage.
"We are aware that some parts of these sectors still face challenges while they cannot yet reopen fully, and we are considering how best to ensure that remaining funding will best support those who need it.”
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