ARGYLL AND BUTE CLAIMS HOMECOMING SUCCESS

A&B Council Press Release

Argyll and Bute’s programme of events to celebrate the national Year of Homecoming in 2009 made a major contribution to the success of the initiative.

Attendance at the 33 events which were awarded part-funding by the council was significantly higher than anticipated, and the feedback from those who took part was overwhelmingly positive.

Argyll and Bute Council contributed £160,000 towards the creation of an arts and cultural programme to celebrate the Homecoming year.

In addition, £40,000 was provided for two other events involving local schools - one a programme of golf and shinty events, and the other the flagship Homecoming Rhapsody performance which showcased the music, photography and fashion talents of Argyll and Bute’s young people.

In total, 36 events within Argyll and Bute were awarded part-funding by the Council with grants ranging from £1,000 to £10,500, the maximum amount payable. Three of those events subsequently cancelled during the course of the year.

They included high profile, nationally funded events such as the Royal National MOD, Camanachd Cup Final and Cowal Gathering as well as local festivals such as the Tarbert Food Festival and Islay Jazz Festival.

Councillor Neil Mackay, the area’s spokesperson for Arts, Culture, Leisure and Sport, said the impact of the Year of Homecoming had vastly exceeded expectations in many ways.

“In terms of boosting the local economy, the Homecoming programme was a huge success in Argyll and Bute,” he added.

“Some £7.6m was put into the local economy as a result of events held – around 25 times the original target figure. And more than 37,000 people booked overnight accommodation for those events, compared to a target figure of 5,000.

“It is clear from these statistics that cultural activity can be a driver of both economic regeneration and tourism. What should also not be forgotten is the enjoyment that thousands of people got from attending, or participating in, events that were part of the council’s contribution to Homecoming 2009.

“The feedback we received from those people who became involved was overwhelmingly enthusiastic and positive, and I’m delighted that the Year of Homecoming proved to be such a success for the area as a whole.”