Backing for Scottish clans as £48,000 funding announced

Eleven community events spanning nine local authorities are to receive support of more than £48,000 in 2018 from the Scottish Clan Event Fund. See the history & origins of your Scottish clan with this interactive map.

The fund supports events that engage local communities and encourage international visitors. The 2018 grants include £5,000 to the Battle of Prestonpans Heritage Trust, for a commemoration event planned on 15 September.

As she met representatives of the Heritage Trust, Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop confirmed the Clan Fund would support further events in 2019 and 2020 through the next funding round, to open to applications at the end of May.

50 million with Scots ancestry

Ms Hyslop said: “Scotland’s rich history is a huge draw for visitors from around the world. And with up to 50 million people globally claiming Scottish ancestry, we know that our cultural heritage is one of our unique selling points as a ‘must visit’ destination.

“The Scottish Clan Event Fund is about tapping into that market and – crucially – supporting clan organisations to connect with and involve people within their local communities.

“Events are taking place this year the length and breadth of the country, from Orkney to Argyll. The plans in Prestonpans are significant as they demonstrate the expansion of community-focused activities into areas not traditionally associated with Scottish clans.”

Scottish Clan Event Funding

The 11 events supported in 2018, totaling £48,050, are:

• - £3,850 for Tartan Ties, Clan Hay (Aberdeenshire)
• - £5,000 for Clan Gregor International Gathering (Argyll and Bute, and Stirling)
• - £5,000 for World Gathering of MacIntyres (Argyll and Bute)
• - £5,000 for Dedication of Prestonpans 1745 Memorial Tables (East Lothian)
• - £2,700 for Clan Stewart Gathering (Fife)
• - £4,350 for Clan MacLennan International Gathering (Highland)
• - £5,000 for Clan Macleod Parliament (Highland)
• - £5,000 for Clan Gunn Society International Gathering (Orkney)
• - £2,500 for Clan Oliphant Gathering (Perth & Kinross)
• - £4,700 for Clan Donnachaidh Gathering (Perth & Kinross)
• - £4,950 for Hawick Reivers Festival (Scottish Borders)

Battle of Prestonpans re-enactment

The Battle of Prestonpans Heritage Trust will stage a battle re-enactment on 15 September, alongside unveiling memorial tables to those who died in what was a significant conflict of the second Jacobite Rising.

Arran Johnston, the Trust's executive trustee, said: "We’re delighted to be working with the Scottish Clan Event Fund to hold a really engaging commemorative event to mark the first-ever memorial to those who fell at the Battle of Prestonpans.

 “With this support we’ll be able to put on an exciting and fitting event in September, taking the story of the clans and regiments of the '45 out into our community. The Clan Event Fund is helping us raise awareness among local audiences of their rich historical assets, as well as bringing visitors to East Lothian, which is crucial for economic development.”

(image L-R Nicholas Wilkes, “Jacobite Standard Bearer”, Arran Johnston, “Bonnie Prince Charlie”, Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop, Jamie MacNab, Chief of the Clan MacNab, Scottish Council of Standing Chiefs, Ettore Viscontini, “Jacobite Highland warrior”. Credit: Scottish Government)