Question reference: S5W-30127
- Asked by: Bill Bowman, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 19 June 2020
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Current status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 6 July 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it has had contact with Creative Scotland, in the Year of Coast and Waters, regarding increasing the number of job opportunities it offers outside Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Answer
Through the work of the EventScotland Year of Coasts and Waters Steering and Working Groups, the Scottish Government has maintained close contact with a range of public, private and third sector stakeholders, including Creative Scotland, regarding the opportunities offered by the Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 to the tourism, creative and event sectors in all parts of Scotland.
The plans for the Year have been heavily impacted by the Covid restrictions but would have brought benefit to many areas outside Edinburgh and Glasgow. For example, Vision Mechanics received funding from, inter alia, Creative Scotland to create Storm , a 10m giant puppet which had a programme of appearances planned across Scotland, bringing an environmental message to a wide audience. Other Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 supported events were to be the RSPB DolphinFest in Aberdeen, Portsoy Traditional Boat Festival and concerts by the Nevis Ensemble in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
Due to the necessary cancellation of most of the original planned schedule, consideration is being given to the potential rollover of the Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 programme through to 2021. EventScotland is currently undertaking feasibility work on the reshaped events programme with funded events partners.
In the meantime VisitScotland’s marketing campaign continues to harness the power of Scotland’s coastal landscapes and inland waters in celebration of the Year of Coasts and Waters. As the campaign currently draws on the planned re-opening of our tourism and hospitality sectors and the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors, visitors will be inspired to responsibly and safely enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of being close to Scotland’s ‘blue’ spaces, right across Scotland.