Culture Minister Patricia Ferguson today unveiled details of a major exhibition and announced more cash for events to boost plans for Highland 2007, the year Scotland celebrates Highland culture.

‘Fonn’s Duthchas’(Land and Heritage) is an exhibition organised jointly with National Museums of Scotland, National Galleries of Scotland and the National Library of Scotland.

The Scottish Executive has already committed £9.5 million towards the costs of three major building projects as part of Highland 2007, and now it is backing the exhibition, which will tour Scotland in 2007, with £402,000.

And EventScotland will provide a £500,000 cash injection to create a regional events programme specifically for the Highlands, which will assist existing and new events.

Speaking today in Inverness, Ms Ferguson said:

“With such a rich and vibrant heritage, communities throughout the Highlands will experience an explosion of cultural activity before, during and after Highland 2007.

“I’m delighted that our three national institutions are bringing together their collections for an exhibition that will use language, music, poetry and art to provide a unique insight into the Highlands and the people who live here.

“Additionally, EventScotland is investing £500,000 to extend its existing Regional Events Programme to support events that will showcase the Highlands in 2007.”

Alison Magee, Chair of Highland 2007 Board and Convener of The Highland Council, said:

“The announcement today has added two vital elements to the programme for Highland 2007. The Regional Programme offers a one-off opportunity for organisers to build-up their events in 2007 with the support of an additional investment from Highland 2007.  The kinds of events that might benefit would be those attracting visitors from outwith the Highlands, as well as appealing to local audiences. The exhibition, Fonn ‘s Duthchas, brought together by National Museums of Scotland, the National Galleries of Scotland and the National Library of Scotland, will showcase Highland culture past, present and future, giving people across Scotland the opportunity to join in the Highland 2007 cultural celebrations.“

Dr Gordon Rintoul, Director, National Museums of Scotland, on behalf of the joint national exhibition partnership, said:

 “The National Museums of Scotland, the National Galleries of Scotland and the National Library of Scotland are delighted to be working together in creative partnership to develop Fonn ’s Duthchas (Land and Heritage) as part of Highland 2007.  We will work with contributors across the Highlands and Islands to bring the richness of Highland culture to the widest possible audiences. We strongly believe the exhibition will promote international tourism, inspiring visitors to explore the Highlands of Scotland.”

David Williams, Chief Executive of EventScotland said:

“Through its Regional Programme EventScotland is delighted to work with Highland 2007 and invest £500,000 in the year-long programme of events that will celebrate the best of Highland culture.  The programme will attract people from all over the UK to take part in this richly varied celebration.”

NOTES TO NEWS EDITORS

1.  Highland 2007 is a partnership between three principal funding agencies: Highland Council, the Scottish Executive and Highlands & Islands Enterprise.  It aims to promote the Highlands as a great place to live and to visit through showcasing the unique and special nature of Highland culture past, present and future.  It will incorporate a range of international, regional and community events, as well as capital projects and cultural activities specifically for young people.  For further information and to register your interest in Highland 2007 Regional Programme please call 01463 702007or visitwww.highland2007.com

2.  The Scottish Executive has committed £9.5 million towards the costs of three major building projects as part of Highland 2007. The Executive is contributing £5 million towards the costs of the Eden Court Theatre redevelopment project, £3.75 million to support a new visitor centre at Culloden, and the Gaelic College on Skye - Sabhal Mor Ostaig – will receive £750,000 in 2006/07 to support enterprise initiatives for Gaelic arts, culture and heritage and assist in the building of a Centre for Creative and Cultural Industries on its campus.

3. ‘Fonn ’s Duthchas’ will open in Inverness in January 2007 and will embark upon a year long tour of venues across Scotland.  For further information please contact Susan Gray at the National Museum of Scotland press office on 0131 247 4088.

Contact: Iain Monk: 07771 555 601

News Release:
Internet: www.scotland.gov.uk