Clan Activities Boosting Tourism

[cessna152towser]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotlan...iness-35795287

Clan tourism generated nearly £400,000 for Scotland's economy in 2015.
More than 7,000 visitors attended events such as battle re-enactments.
Tourists from 18 different countries exploring their heritage brought in a net total of £390,000 last year.
Clan Chief Alexander Leslie, vice-convener of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs, said there had been a renewed level of interest over the last 18 months.
About 50 million people globally claim to have Scottish ancestry.
Mr Leslie, vice-convener of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs, said many "overseas Scots" were visiting each year.
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 £5,000 for gatherings, battle re-enactments and other associated heritage events.
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: "The market for ancestral tourism in Scotland is considerable and creates opportunities for communities to benefit.
"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."

[Bluescelt]

Alex,
I think the (SCSC) Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs has seen first hand the interest around the world and I'm sure some of what they have seen must seem a bit strange at times but the interest of the diaspora for Scotland is real. If the government can harness this and develop good quality programs it would be a win-win for all. It seems Scottish government is a bit lax in developing these programs because it's easy to say look at all the history around us why do we need to do anything more?

Clan involvement in programs will go a long way to educate the diaspora in the real history and culture of Scotland. I think people have created their own traditions when they don't have a clear view of existing traditions. You probably saw that first hand on your trip to the games in the USA. The (AHCS) Association of Highland Clans and Societies is a good start to have a presence at events. Hopefully the SCSC will be at events periodically. I feel this makes the idea of Clan and Chief become real for members of the societies around the world.

[Reiver]

I suspect the Duke of Buccleuch has this as one of his reasons for supporting so much/many Clan activities....and why not.
I think he enjoys being the Clan Chief certainly and as such takes it seriously for historical reasons but he'd be foolish to not make it work in many ways.
Now if we could only get the local Scott's to wear a kilt and not be offended by an outwith wearing one...
Hopefully, I'll be able to add to the Clan tourism coffers in the near future.