From 5 - 13 April, Angus will be the focal point for the Tartan Day Scotland Festival 2014, a celebration of the Scots and Scotland which attracts visitors from near and far, providing a host of opportunities for local businesses and organisations.
“It has been estimated that the Tartan Day Scotland Festival 2014 will attract a considerable number of additional visitors to Angus,” said Cllr Mairi Evans, Angus Council’s Economic Development spokesperson. “This will have an extremely positive impact on the local economy and should ensure a good start to the Angus tourist season.”
The Tartan Day Scotland Festival 2014, which is expected to attract an additional 5000 visitors to Angus, will kick off with one of the east of Scotland’s key Homecoming Scotland events - the Tartan Day Scotland Homecoming Weekend in Arbroath. This will feature a packed programme over the weekend of April 5/6, with special events (and free entry) at Arbroath Abbey, a celebration of Arbroath’s links with the sea, a Taste of Angus event, a family history day and the re-enactment of the 1320 Signing of the Declaration of Arbroath by the nobles of Scotland.
Shops, restaurants, accommodation providers and local communities across Angus are all involved in the annual Tartan Day Scotland Festival and are working with the festival organisers to enhance the programme so it attracts as many visitors as possible to the county. “Tartan Day Scotland Festival is an important part of Angus Council’s 2020 Vision,” continued Cllr Evans.
“The 2020 Vision aims to ensure Arbroath, and the county of Angus, is at the centre of the commemorations of the 700th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in six years time.”
As part of this vision, the 2020 Group has been established to develop plans for the 700th anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath, with members from the local community, Angus Council, VisitScotland, Historic Scotland, Arbroath Abbey Action Group, Arbroath Business Association, Arbroath Guildry and Arbroath Round Table, as well as a local councillor and the local MSP.
“It is vitally important that we ensure the economy of the local area benefits as much as possible from this significant international occasion,” said Harry Simpson, Convener of the 2020 Group. “Every year, the Tartan Day Scotland Festival highlights the fabulous potential of this part of Scotland and I would encourage businesses to take part – and to start thinking about how they would like to be involved in the historic 2020 celebrations.”
The programme for the Tartan Day Scotland Festival 2014, including the Tartan Day Scotland Homecoming event in Arbroath, is available at www.tartandayscotland.com. To discuss how your business can become involved in the Tartan Day Scotland Festival 2014, contact clarkem@angus.gov.uk.
