Welcome to Highland 2007

Highland 2007 today (3 July) announced further funds to involve communities and voluntary groups throughout the area in the celebrations for the year Scotland celebrates Highland culture.

With support from Communities Scotland, Highland 2007 is offering funding for projects and events that contribute to the aims and objectives of this special year. To apply for funding, not-for-profit organisations should consult their local housing associations or Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) to submit an application. Applications may be made for up to £30,000 and must be submitted before the closing date of Friday 31 August 2007. Funding decisions will be announced in early September.

Organisations should contact their local RSL in the first instance to discuss the eligibility of the project or event. Contact details for each area’s RSL are listed on the Highland 2007 website - www.highland2007.com. Application forms can also be found on the Highland 2007 website or from the local RSL

Fiona Hampton, director of Highland 2007, said: “Highland 2007 is delighted to announce this funding and is pleased that Communities Scotland is supporting Scotland’s year of Highland culture. We would encourage organisations and community groups to get in touch with their local RSL if they feel their event or project would add to the celebrations in this special year.”

David Nicol, Communities Scotland Highlands and Islands area director, said:
“Communities Scotland is pleased to be involved in Highland 2007 . RSLs in the Highlands and Islands are known to be innovative and involved with projects or services that support tenants and their local communities.

For more information visit www.highland2007.com

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For more information contact Alison Bell at Highland 2007 on 01463 702007 / 07733 123037 or Bob Major at Communities Scotland on 0131 479 5170.

Editor’s notes

1. Highland 2007, the year Scotland celebrates Highland culture, 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. The project is a partnership between three principal funding agencies: The Highland Council, the Scottish Executive, and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. The year long celebration of Highland culture in 2007 will incorporate an exciting range of major and community events, as well as capital projects and ‘The Highland Promise’ for young people. See www.highland2007.com for full details. Highland 2007 is the first themed year planned by the Scottish Executive to promote Scotland as a great place to live and to visit.

2. Both capital and revenue support from the £160,000 fund will be made available with all revenue funding going to projects or events occurring in 2007 and capital funding going to projects beginning in 2007

3. Communities Scotland is the Scottish Executive’s housing and regeneration agency. It is investing over £75 million in the Highlands and Islands this year.

4. Highland 2007 commercial partners include:
• LifeScan Scotland Ltd - Principal Partner
• Tulloch Homes Ltd / BBC Scotland / Scottish Co-op - Major Partners
• Royal Bank of Scotland/ Clydesdale Bank / Morrison Construction / Bidwells - Event Partners
• Caledonian MacBrayne / First ScotRail / Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd / Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort / Macrae & Dick – In-kind Partners
• Fionnar Springs / NBH Holdings / PPD Ltd / EAE Distribution / Inver House Distillers - Suppliers