SUMMER | COVER FEATURE
There may be supply chain issues aplenty and concerns around the cost-of-living crisis , but the Scottish events industry is rising phoenix-like from the ashes of lockdown to produce a record number of outdoor events up and down the country this summer . Access explores the industry ’ s road to recovery .
Words : Christopher Barrett
M ajor events such as the Edinburgh International Festival , the Edinburgh Military Tattoo , The Open Championship , Edinburgh Hogmanay , Royal Highland Show and countless music festivals , including TRNSMT and Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival , are among the many major outdoor events that play a significant role in supporting the Scottish economy and attracting tourists .
According to a recent Deloitte study , tourism supports 270,000 jobs in Scotland , contributes £ 11 billion annually to the economy and supports around 10 % of employment in the country . Almost 16 million tourists take overnight trips to Scotland every year .
The Scottish live events industry , a vital ingredient in Scotland ’ s tourism offering , contributes an estimated £ 6 billion to the country ’ s economy , according to the last pre-pandemic UK Events Report .
The industry was hit hard by Covid restrictions and underwent sustained pressure . While England ’ s businesses were able to press ahead under far less stringent ‘ Plan B ’ guidelines after Omicron hit , on Boxing Day 2021 Scotland ’ s first minister , Nicola Sturgeon , banned indoor events with more than 100 people standing or 200 seated , and outdoor standing events for more than 500 were also barred .
Those restrictions were lifted for outdoor events on 17 January and indoor events a week later . Scotland ’ s vaccine passport scheme ended on 28 February and , on 21 March , all remaining restrictions , including the wearing of face coverings , ceased .
The previous two years had been a torrid time for the Scottish live events industry , during which The Events Industry Advisory Group was established to provide a coordinated voice for the sector . The Scottish Government provided funding channels , including VisitScotland ’ s Event Industry Support Fund and Creative Scotland ’ s Cancellation Fund for Cultural Organisations . In January , culture secretary Angus Robertson announced a package worth £ 65 million for culture and major events .
The support continues , and as recently as May a £ 1 million Community Cycling Fund was set up by EventScotland to support cycling projects and events .
VisitScotland director of events Paul Bush OBE says the organisation recently funded a £ 1 million consumer-facing media campaign with the slogan ‘ The Buzz Is Back ’. Designed to encourage people back to events and convince them that they are safe environments , the campaign kicked off in April and ran for two months , with activations across radio , TV , online
25 19