Minister Launches Scotland's Winter Festivals

Submitted by edg on Wed, 13 Oct '10 7.07pm

Scotland will play host to over 60 events from St Andrew's Day (30 November), Hogmanay, which in Edinburgh sees a four-day New Year's programme of events, to Burns Night (January 25) as part of "Scotland's Winter Festivals" programme.

In an official launch today, Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop highlighted some of the events taking place under the Scottish government funded Scotland's Winter Festivals banner.

"In Scotland's Year of Food and Drink, this year there is a focus on promoting our authentic, top quality produce, treating locals and visitors alike to a real taste of Scotland," said Hyslop.

"St Andrew's Day is the ideal time to celebrate all that is great about Scotland. With such a variety of events on offer this festive season, there will be something for everyone to enjoy, no matter where they are in Scotland."

Historic Scotland and the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions are again running Visit for Free where select visitor attractions will offer free access on November 27 and 28, 2010.

The Scottish Government is also supporting the St Andrew's Day Championship Debate, in conjunction with the Scottish Parliament (which is hosting a series of Jacobite-themed family events over the St Andrew's Day weekend) and the English-Speaking Union Scotland.

International celebrations range from a St Andrew's Day Ball in Doha to the Kirkin' of the Tartans in Hawaii.

"With Edinburgh's Hogmanay generating an estimated #29 million last year, we know that festive celebrations can make a significant contribution to Scottish tourism and our economy. That is why our Winter Festivals are so valuable - they will help entice people from home and abroad to explore all areas of Scotland."