It was announced today (4 September) that the Argyll area will benefit from over £400,000 of funding for Highland 2007 events to project the identity of the area within the overall national celebrations during Scotland’s Year of Highland Culture.

£200,000 of the funding is to be used to fund a range of events including a specially commissioned Youth Performance Event, an Argyll Rhapsody, co-ordinated by Capercaillie star Donald Shaw.

The remaining £200,000 of the funding will be available to organisations throughout Argyll and Bute who are being encouraged to apply for financial help towards hosting other major events and festivals during 2007.

Argyll and the Islands Enterprise, Argyll and Bute Council, Scottish Enterprise Dunbartonshire and the Highland 2007 team are all working together to promote the Argyll and Bute profile within the National celebrations.

Ken Abernethy, chief executive of Argyll and the Islands Enterprise, said: “The funding announced today will enable Argyll and Bute to host a very exciting programme for the year Scotland celebrates Highland culture. The cultural events taking place as part of Highland 2007 will be accessible not only to many of our local communities but will also attract considerable numbers of visitors into Argyll.

”Councillor Robin Banks, Depute Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, is urging interested parties to make contact soon with regard to potential applications.

Councillor Banks said: “The deadlines for applications for support for major events and festivals has been set for 31st October 2006 but it is recommended that applicants contact us as soon as possible to discuss event proposals."

Application packs will be available from 11th September 2006 from Patricia McCrossan 01369-703214 or download from www.argyll-bute.gov.uk .

The funding is aimed at events fitting the overall aims of Highland 2007 by promoting the Highlands as a great place to live and visit through showcasing the unique and special nature of Highland culture; and providing the opportunity for people across Scotland and beyond to join a year-long programme of celebrations.

The Highland 2007 website gives further details of this special year including a list of confirmed events across the Highlands and Islands and the rest of Scotland.