£390k boost provided by clan tourism in 2015
Clan tourism generated almost £400,000 for the Scottish economy in 2015.
Clan tourism generated almost £400,000 for the Scottish economy in 2015.
Visitors interested in exploring their heritage boosted the tourism industry by a net total of £390,000 last year.
Clan chief Alexander Leslie, vice-convener of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs, said clan-based tourism is"incredibly important'' to the Scottish economy.
He said: "The clan network and clan societies bring a lot of overseas Scots to Scotland every year and within the last year or 18 months there's also been a renewed level of interest in Scotland itself in which clan people belong to, which is very encouraging to see.
"We work hard with the Scottish Government on this issue and see it a win-win situation that Scotland as a whole, Scotland as a brand and Scotland as a destination will benefit.''
The Scottish Clan Event Fund, administered by EventScotland, gives clans and clan societies up to £50,000 for events such as gatherings, battle re-enactments and other associated heritage events.
In 2015, more than 7,000 clan tourists from 18 countries attended events supported by the fund.
The Scottish Government allocated £23,000 to the fund in 2015/16 and has announced up to £70,000 will be available in 2016/17.
There will be six supported events taking place across Scotland in 2016.
Tourism minister Fergus Ewing said: "With up to 50 million people globally claiming Scottish ancestry, and many more with a strong connection to our country, the market for ancestral tourism in Scotland is considerable and creates opportunities for communities to benefit.
"Starting for the year of Homecoming in 2014, and continuing last year, I am pleased to see the fund has already had such a strong positive impact, capturing visitors' imagination and helping to inspire and promote fun, colourful and inspiring events across the country.''