Ross food and drink firms urged to 'grow for it' as new fund is launched
TOURISM groups throughout the Highlands are being urged to apply for a new marketing grant of up to £20,000.
VisitScotland’s new £100,000 Year of Food and Drink Growth Fund has been launched to promote Scotland’s natural larder ahead of 2015 – the Year of Food and Drink.
Groups of three or more tourism businesses have until Thursday, August 28 to apply for a grant during the first round of funding.
These grants can be used to support marketing campaigns during the 2015 Year of Food and Drink.
There will be a second round of funding in February 2015.
The Year of Food and Drink Growth Fund is in addition to the existing VisitScotland Growth Fund, which between 2011 and 2013 awarded over £1million in match-funding to national, regional and sectoral tourism groups resulting in £2.3m being invested in marketing campaigns, involving more than 2,000 tourism businesses across Scotland.
The Year of Food and Drink officially begins on January 1, 2015 and aims to help Scotland celebrate the role that food and drink plays in shaping economic success and to showcase Scotland’s outstanding natural larder.
Scott Armstrong, VisitScotland regional director, said: "The food and drink industry is worth £13billion to Scotland’s economy.
"We really cannot underestimate the importance of supporting groups who are demonstrating enthusiasm and innovation in this area particularly with the Highland’s rich and abundant natural larder.
"The Year of Food and Drink Growth Fund will do exactly that, allowing us to build partnerships across the Highlands and Scotland with those on the frontline to ensure visitors and locals alike get to experience the best of our region’s food and drink.
"I encourage groups to get online and apply for the fund to help them make the most of 2015, the Year of Food and Drink."
Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing said: "The 2015 Year of Food and Drink will provide Scotland with an opportunity to showcase the very best of our food and drink sector, which enjoys an enviable international reputation.
"The Year of Food and Drink Growth Fund is yet another element of our drive to boost Scotland’s key tourism, events, and food and drink sectors in 2015. I would encourage businesses across the country to make the most of the opportunities available to them, and help us enhance our global reputation as a land which produces the finest quality food and drink."
The Year of Food and Drink Growth Fund will support groups with up to 50 per cent of approved total marketing costs, from a minimum award of £2,500 up to a maximum award of £20,000.
Funding will be awarded to marketing campaigns that promote the use of quality Scottish produce and aim to increase visitor satisfaction with the Scottish food and drink offering.
Applications to the fund should be aligned with the Tourism 2020 Strategy, meet the aims and objectives of the Year of Food and Drink 2015 and can demonstrate fresh ideas and approaches.
Groups who wish to apply can do so online by visiting www.visitscotland.org