Fifteen organisations planning arts projects to mark Highland 2007, the year Scotland celebrates Highland culture, have been awarded £250,000 through the Highland 2007 Arts Capital Fund for arts equipment and small building costs.

The Scottish Arts Council, working in partnership with Highland 2007, made the additional £250,000 in capital grants available for Highland 2007 related arts projects in the Highlands and Islands.

Groups offered grants include Strathpeffer Pavilion; Glenuig Community Association; Raasay Community Association; Moray Arts Centre; Dornie & District Community Hall; Arts in Motion; Seall Arts Ltd; The Loft Arts and Music Association; Highland Print Studio; The Highland Council Exhibitions Unit; Cromarty Arts Trust; Aros (Isle of Skye) Ltd; The Spectrum Centre; Florians Theatre Club and Global Yell Ltd.

Alison Magee, chair of Highland 2007, said: “This additional support recognises the importance of high quality arts projects as key to the success of the celebration of Scotland’s year of Highland culture.  We are really pleased with the geographical spread of the organisations receiving these awards; they will ensure a legacy well beyond 2007 in local communities throughout the Highlands and Islands.”

Iain Munro, Head of Lottery, Scottish Arts Council, said: “There was exceptional interest in this round of awards, further proof that Highland 2007 is igniting creative imaginations across the Highlands.  We are especially pleased to see a number of smaller organisations making their first applications for Scottish Arts Council funds, which should leave a lasting legacy of equipment and better facilities for a number of communities well beyond the Highland 2007 celebrations.”

Patricia Ferguson, Minister for Culture, said: “Highland 2007 will deliver an exciting and diverse programme of activities, celebrating all aspects of Highland culture.  This additional funding is a tremendous boost to the programme, providing a range of opportunities for communities to engage with the arts directly.

“More importantly it will ensure the provision of quality arts activities for a long time to come, supporting the objectives I outlined in January for improving Scotland’s cultural life.”