Highland 2007 today (Thursday 8 June 2006) announced their support for many of the major events which will help form the programme for the year long celebration of Highland culture in 2007.

Through the second and final round of the Highland 2007 Regional Events Programme, supported by EventScotland, 28 events have been offered funding totalling up to £372,770. (A full list of events offered support from the Regional Events Programme is attached.)

These events will contribute to a world class programme spanning the entire year of 2007 from January through to December, raising the profile of the Highlands on an international stage.

The Highland 2007 Regional Events Programme supports events attracting participants and spectators, as well as significant media interest, to the Highlands from outwith the area. The Regional Events funding package is targeted to assist existing and new events in the Highlands achieve their potential in line with the aims of Highland 2007.

Culture Minister Patricia Ferguson said: "These events will add to the exciting programme already in place which will showcase the Highlands to the world as a cultural hub, as a great place to visit, a place to live and work and do business. The Highlands are a stunning part of Scotland and Highland 2007 promises to be a vibrant spectacle and world class showcase for the area’s rich cultural heritage."

David Williams of EventScotland said: “EventScotland is providing a significant investment in the year long celebration of Highland culture during 2007. This investment, which amounts to £1.76 million, will support the development of Highland 2007’s Regional Programme, International Programme and running costs. The support will contribute specifically towards showcasing the Highlands and Scotland as a premier events destination.”

The events making up the programme for Highland 2007 will showcase the Highlands as a great place to live and to visit, encouraging people to come here during the year itself and in the future.

Alison Magee, chair of Highland 2007, said: “We are really pleased with the variety and the geographical spread of events that have had funding approved through the Regional Events Programme. Projects across each of the six strands of culture will contribute to the success of Highland 2007 by encouraging people to visit the Highlands during 2007 and in years to come.”

“We received requests for funding for many excellent events and unfortunately have not been able to support all those who applied to Highland 2007. However, we wish them every success and hope to welcome them under the Highland 2007 banner if their event takes place within the year Scotland celebrates Highland culture.”

As well as a programme of major events, opportunities for Highland communities to design their own celebrations will be supported through funding available through the Community Programmes.

Major events offered funding in round two of the Regional Events Programme:

• Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival 
• Scottish 6-day Orienteering Championships 
• Nairn Jazz Festival 2007 
• Fort William Mountain Festival 
• Touchwood 
• O'Neill Highland Open 
• Scottish Open Amateur Stroke Play Championships 
• Inverness Film Festival & BAFTA Scotland Awards 
• Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running 
• Scotland's Theatre Arts Festival & Forum 
• 10 Under the Ben 
• LoopallU 
• Sutherland Freeride Challenge 
• Shinty v Hurling International 
• 100th Camanachd Cup Final 
• Strathspey Away 
• Scottish Sea Kayak Symposium 2007 
• Highland Feast 
• Maggie's Bike & Hike 2007 
• 4 Nations Football Tournament 
• Rock Ness 
• Caledonian Canal Celebration 
• Scottish Traditional Music Awards 
• Skye Music Festival 
• Fieldstation Outlandia 
• Skye Festival 
• Bealach na ba Challenge 
• Landscapes & People: Earth Heritage, Culture & Economy

Major events already supported in round one: 

• Celtic Film & TV Festival 
• Interpret Scotland 
• GoNorth 
• Moray Firth Flotilla 
• Big Willow Project 
• Tryathlon