THE PERFECT STAGE SCOTLAND TO HOST MAJOR NEW MULTI-SPORT CHAMPIONSHIPS IN 2018

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1 ISSUE42 SCOTLAND THE PERFECT STAGE SPRING 2015 NEWS SCOTLAND TO HOST MAJOR NEW MULTI-SPORT CHAMPIONSHIPS IN 2018 Tollcross International Swimming Centre will host the LEN European Swimming Championships 2018 Scotland is to co-host the first of an exciting new multi-sport event in 2018 following a decision by some of Europe s top sports to bring together their prestigious European Championships for the first time. In a sporting partnership announced with Berlin which will attract a projected EBU television audience of around 850 million, Glasgow will be Host City to four sports including cycling and swimming as part of the inaugural European Sports Championships. Given the heritage of the sport in Scotland, there is a further aspiration for golf to be included within the concept, with Gleneagles as the chosen venue. The event would be legacy from Scotland s staging of the spectacular Ryder Cup in Swimming, involving nearly 900 athletes, will be staged at three venues with the main swimming event at Tollcross International Swimming Centre in Glasgow and the diving and synchronised swimming at the Royal Commonwealth Pool in Edinburgh. The open water swimming competition is to be staged at Loch Lomond. The four cycling competitions track, road race, mountain-biking and BMX will attract 650 of Europe s top names to the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, the Cathkin Braes Mountain Bike Trails, the streets of Glasgow and a new BMX track to be built in the city. This is the first time all four cycling championships have been staged together. Rowing and triathlon will see around 760 athletes compete at the world-class Strathclyde Country Park in North Lanarkshire. Berlin will host the athletics at their iconic Olympic Stadium. Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events for VisitScotland said: Scotland is the perfect stage for major events, and our credibility has never been higher within the international sporting community following the unrivalled success of the 2014 Commonwealth Games and Ryder Cup. The 2018 European Sports Championships is testament to that status and will provide another platform for Scotland to demonstrate its capacity and capability in event delivery. This new, innovative event firmly positions Scotland amongst the global elite event destinations and adds to our ever growing portfolio, which includes major one-off championships through to The inclusion of a brand new golf would further enhance and cement Scotland s reputation as the home of golf. Gleneagles was a wonderful host for The Ryder Cup in September last year and we hope to bring the first edition of the European Championships to Perthshire in INSIDE THIS ISSUE 2015 MAJOR EVENT HIGHLIGHTS YEAR OF FOOD AND DRINK 2015 SOLHEIM CUP Follow #perfectstage EventScotland Sign up for our e-newsletter at eventscotland.org

2 02 Comment 2014 A TRIUMPH FOR SCOTLAND PAUL BUSH OBE As we approach the summer, Scotland s events industry is already in full swing and as you will see this edition of Scotland The Perfect Stage, there is much to celebrate already. The Davis Cup, held in Glasgow s Emirates Arena in March is worthy of particular mention. Described by Andy Murray as the best atmosphere he has ever played in, the three days provided incredible drama to the sell-out crowd, which we would hope to replicate in the future. Our cover story this month has made headlines around the world of sport. The landmark announcement that Glasgow will host the first European Sports Championships (ESC) in 2018 underlines Scotland s position as a leading international events destination and will see us continue on an upward trajectory in terms of our capacity, capability and credibility. ESC is an innovative concept, which is representative of the approach we take in delivery of major events in Scotland. With events in Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, Edinburgh and West Dunbartonshire already confirmed, we are guaranteed a fantastic summer of sport in We also hope to include the very first European Golf Team Championships at Gleneagles in Perthshire, which would be a wonderful legacy from last year s Ryder Cup. Following the huge success of the Commonwealth Games in 2014, I have no doubt that we will set a high standard for the ESC in four years time. The Ryder Cup was also a significant success last year and plans are underway to continue that legacy to scope a bid for the Solheim Cup. Elsewhere in this issue we have an update on our major event portfolio for 2015 and look ahead to what s coming up as we approach the summer. There is also a look back at this year s Thistle Awards, which celebrate the very best of our tourism industry. n Event Highlights EDINBURGH S HOGMANAY 30 DECEMBER 1 JANUARY EDINBURGH CITY AND SOUTH QUEENSFERRY Recognised the world over as the home of Hogmanay, Edinburgh kicked off 2015 in style. The opening event of the sold-out Torchlight Procession on 30 December lined the capital s streets followed by a spectacular fireworks display. As always, Edinburgh showed the world how to party on New Year s Eve with the street party featuring live music from Twin Atlantic and Eddi Reader, with Lilly Allen as the headline act for the Concert in the Gardens. Those brave enough to face the Firth of Forth on New Year s morning headed to the Loony Dook for a dip. BIG BURNS SUPPER JANUARY DUMFRIES, VARIOUS VENUES ROBERT BURNS HUMANITARIAN AWARD 22 JANUARY ALLOWAY, ROBERT BURNS BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM The annual Robert Burns Humanitarian Award recognises those who have saved, improved or enriched the lives of others. This year s deserved winner, Olivia Giles nominated for her charity work providing people in developing countries with prosthetic limbs was presented with the prestigious award at a special ceremony at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum. Big Burns Supper, one of Scotland s major winter festivals, featured music from pop duo Hue and Cry, and singer-songwriter Nina Nesbitt; cabaret and theatre performances and a children s Burns Supper. The event culminated with a Year of Food and Drink themed night carnival, a fantastic community parade that attracted visitors from across Dumfries and further afield. PAGE 02

3 03 Event Highlights GREAT INTERNATIONAL CROSS COUNTRY 10 JANUARY HOLYROOD PARK Televised live on the BBC, this annual world class event featured some incredible performances. Emelia Gorecka emerged from the mud and hailstones of Holyrood Park, with a stunning individual victory for the shivering home crown to cheer on an afternoon when the team honours in the Morrisons Great Edinburgh Country were claimed by the runners in the stars and stripes of the USA. Earlier in the day, runners took part in the tough 5k route round Arthur s seat. STANZA 4 8 MARCH ST. ANDREWS, VARIOUS VENUES StAnza: Scotland s International Poetry Festival experienced another successful run with an ambitious programme of almost 100 events comprising poetry recitals, spoken word, music and exhibitions. This year s themes were Unfinished Business and An Archipelago of Poetry. Highlights of the festival included an In Conversation discussion with Game of Thrones actor Clive Russell and readings from renowned poets, Simon Armitage and New Zealand s Poet Laureate Bill Manhire. GLASGOW FILM FESTIVAL 18 FEBRUARY 1 MARCH For the second year running the Glasgow Film Festival has broken 40,000 ticket sales. There were 174 events at the festival this year, including 11 World Premieres, 33 UK Premieres and 65 Scottish Premieres. As ever, the programme was loaded with blockbusters, classics, world cinema, screenings in unique places, themed film nights and an Internet Cat Video Festival which paid homage to online cat videos, an internet phenomenon. GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL MARCH Glasgow once again welcomed thousands of visitors to the city for Europe s largest comedy festival. The 2015 festival saw over 400 shows take place in 46 venues ranging from the Clyde Auditorium to The Stand Comedy Club. Audiences were treated to performances from big names like Dylan Moran, Jimmy Carr and Fred MacAulay as well as a wealth of emerging Scottish comics and international talent. DAVIS CUP 6 8 MARCH EMIRATES ARENA, GLASGOW Davis Cup is the premier international team event in men s tennis run by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and is contested annually between teams from competing countries in a knock-out format. Tickets for the event sold out within a matter of minutes, and crowds were able to cheer on Team GB featuring the highly anticipated return of Andy Murray playing on home turf. Highlights included a 3-2 defeat of GB v USA. For more information on our events see: EventScotland.org PAGE 03

4 04 A Taste of 2015 Throughout 2015 we re celebrating local produce sourced from across Scotland and the contribution Scotland s food and drink industry makes to the impact of tourism and events. There is an abundance of delicious, regional flavours in every corner in Scotland, from traditional products like cheese and Arbroath Smokies, to unique, contemporary producers offering everything from goodness-packed rapeseed oil to Scottish meats and charcuterie, expertly blended teas and spices and more. The year aims to build on the success of Homecoming Scotland in 2014, celebrating great produce and artisans from across the country and delivering memorable experiences to visitors and at events. A number of festivals are lined up this Spring and Summer featuring food markets packed with delicious produce; from Paisley Beer & Food Festival (23 26 April) and Ayr County Show (9 May) to Loch Fyne Food Fair (16 17 May). Arbroath Smokies From the madcap, unique experiences at Whisky Stramash (Edinburgh, 23 24) and unforgettable edible adventure Create:Eat:Whisky (Edinburgh, 14 17), to the spectacular surroundings at Mhor Festival (Balquhidder, 23 24) and the well-established Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival (30 April 4 May); Whisky Month returns in May with contemporary events designed to introduce a new audience to Scotland s national drink, alongside traditional tastings, live music and more. The Cookery Theatre at Gardening Scotland 2014 Funded events will be spread across the country, from established events like Borders Book Festival (11 14 June) and Glasgow Mela (14 June), which will incorporate new elements to celebrate the year, and brand new events including Cake Fest Edinburgh (21 June), that hundreds can participate in alongside a curated food market. The Year of Food and Drink is a Scottish Government initiative being delivered by VisitScotland in partnership with Scotland Food & Drink, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Tourism Alliance, Scottish Agricultural College and Young Scot. Find out more at tastescotland and join the conversation using #TasteScotland TOP TIPS CDM Regulations The new Construction, Design and Management Regulations (CDM 2015) came into force on 6 April The revised regulations are likely to have implications for event organisers. Does your event have an element of construction for example a stage or gantry? It s recommended that you familiarise themselves with the new regulations. For further updates and useful links visit eventscotland.org Industry Events Calendar Find out about tourism business events in your region with VisitScotland s industry events calendar. Go to visitscotland.org Confbuzz Make the most of your time at events by planning interesting conversations before you get there. Confbuzz uses ground-breaking machine-learning techniques to discover useful connections between delegates and displays these on interactive maps which give you all the information you need. confbuzz.com Safety at Events Professor Chris Kemp, known throughout the world for his work on the management of crowds and his ceaseless endeavour to make events safer, will be visiting Edinburgh Napier University to present a lecture (27 May) built around his research. This talk will provide an exposition into such disasters and their consequences and ask that burning question, how safe are we? To register your attendance lectures@napier.ac.uk Decision-making & crisis management seminar Organised by SEFA (Scottish Events & Festivals Association) this twoday course will provide sessions in decision making, crowd management, event safety and security theory. The programme will be delivered from May. Book your space at Sefa.org.uk Event Magazine online blogs Follow event industry debates and get expert advice on experiential marketing and brand experiences from Event magazine s bloggers. Recent posts include how to give your content more impact at events and the world cup experience. Eventmagazine.co.uk/blogs PAGE 04 For more information on our events see: EventScotland.org

5 05 Highlight Events MAJOR EVENT HIGHLIGHTS One of Europe s most important and prestigious contemporary visual art awards comes to Scotland for the first time. The Turner Prize will take place at the international art-space Tramway with the exhibition open to the public from 1st October 2015 to 17th January The IPC Swimming World Championships (13-19 July) is the biggest event on the calendar from para-swimming outside of a Paralympic year. This year s competition is expected to see more than 650 swimmers from over 50 countries battle it out for medal glory. With 500 gymnasts from over 80 nations and 10 days of competition, the 2015 World Gymnastics Championships (23 October 1 November) are going to be spectacular. The SSE Hydro, Glasgow will welcome nations across the globe for the greatest gymnastics event. FEI European Eventing Championships (10 13 September) at Blair Castle is the critical qualification for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. Renowned as one of the top multiday events of its kind, World Orienteering Championships (31 July 7 August) will see orienteers compete on the stunning terrain of the Highlands of Scotland. The biennial Scottish 6 Days event will run alongside the main event. For more information on our events see: EventScotland.org PAGE 05

6 06 SCOTLAND INVITES VENUE INTEREST FOR POTENTIAL SOLHEIM CUP BID As part of a potential bid to host The 2019 Solheim Cup, Scotland is inviting submissions from venues across the country interested in staging the event. Following a bidding seminar hosted by the Ladies European Tour, VisitScotland is considering whether to submit a formal bid to host the event in 2019 and as part of this process is now seeking a potential venue with which to progress to the bidding stage. Paul Bush, VisitScotland s Director of Events, said: We are currently undertaking a period of due diligence before making a decision as to whether to submit a formal bid to host The 2019 Solheim Cup. In the meantime we are also keen to identify potential suitable venues and look forward to receiving interest from those who feel they can meet the staging requirements of a major international sporting event. A set of criteria has been drawn up for a potential venue following communication of the bidding requirements from the Ladies European Tour and these are being made available to clubs across Scotland via the Scottish Golf Union. Catriona Matthew, former Solheim Cup player and Scotland s highest ranked female golfer, with the Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open trophy in EventScotland is proud to support a number of ladies golf events, including the Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open on an annual basis. Scotland is set to enjoy yet another bumper golfing summer with no fewer than nine golf events taking place across the length and breadth of the country, some of which are free for spectators to attend. You may already know about The Open at St Andrews, but for a full list of golf events in Scotland this year see SCOTTISH THISTLE AWARDS A total of 13 winners received a Scottish Thistle Award during a glittering final ceremony at the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow, hosted by TV and radio star Edith Bowman. Led by a panel of experts from the Scottish tourism industry, the awards celebrate tourism businesses or suppliers across the region who have gone the extra mile to offer an outstanding visitor experience. Scottish Thistle Awards 2015 National Final Nominations are now open for with the inclusion of two Event based awards. So if you have been impressed by somewhere you have visited, inspired by people you have met or just want to shine the spotlight on the great work that is happening in your local area, get online and make your nomination for the next Scottish Thistle Awards. To view the full list of winners, enter or for further information on the Scottish Thistle Awards visit PAGE 06 For more information on our events see: EventScotland.org

7 07 BUSINESS EVENTS: MEETINGS & INCENTIVE FORUM EUROPE This summer Scotland welcomes the Meetings & Incentive Forum Europe to Edinburgh! From 29 June to 3 July 2015, over 500 meeting and incentive buyers and suppliers from across Europe will convene in the Scottish capital city for two days of serious business networking opportunities. In addition to intensive workshop appointments at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, delegates will have the opportunity to mix through a series of networking activities and events to discover first hand locations in and around Edinburgh. Following the event buyers will also have the chance to explore the rest of Scotland on a familiarisation trip. Edinburgh International Conference Centre SCOTLAND PARTNERS HEAD TO SOCHI SportAccord Convention is the annual gathering of over 2,000 leading representatives from international sport which provides a unique platform for EventScotland and its strategic partners to nurture relationships within the world s sporting community. With major events secured by the EventScotland team and its strategic partners confirmed through to 2020, there is a clear level of sustained global interest which the team intend to capitalise on at this year s convention in Russia April. The team will look forward to a packed programme of meetings and networking to discuss future aspirations with the international sporting community, along with the ever-popular whisky tasting event showcasing some of the finest single cask malts in partnership with Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Edinburgh. For more information visit sportaccordconvention.com For more information on whisky tasting opportunities visit smws.co.uk This year s Sport Accord Convention takes place in Sochi, Russia April THE HOMECOMING SCOTLAND 2014 HIGHLIGHTS REPORT DETAILS THE SUCCESSES OF THE YEAR AND HOW THE PROGRAMME STIMULATED GROWTH IN SCOTLAND S VISITOR ECONOMY. The report is available to download at visitscotland.org

8 08 WHAT S COMING UP... THE EMIRATES AIRLINE RUGBY 7S 9 10 MAY SCOTSTOUN STADIUM SPRIT OF SPEYSIDE WHISKY FESTIVAL 30 APRIL 4 MAY, SPEYSIDE Distilleries, shops, restaurants, pubs and villages throughout Speyside (home to more than half of Scotland s distilleries) welcome visitors with a packed programme of special tastings, food, outdoor activities, ceilidhs and much more as part of Scotland s Whisky Month SPRING FLING MAY, DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY Nearly 100 artists and makers will open their studio doors to the public to showcase their work. From painterly photography to jewellery and carved stone to tactile textiles, Spring Fling offers something for everything and a few surprises to boot. The Emirates Airline Rugby 7s returns to Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow on 9 and 10 May. A whole weekend of thrilling international sevens rugby performed against a backdrop of fancy dress, live music, family entertainment and general fun! GOUROCK HIGHLAND GAMES 10 MAY GOUROCK PARK, INVERCLYDE The Gourock Highland Games kicks off the Scottish Games season with a spectacular programme of pipe band and drum major competitions, highland dancing; mini highland games and heavyweight events. There s plenty for the whole family to enjoy; including children s entertainment, music, craft stalls, and the new addition of a food and drink village. UCI MOUNTAIN BIKE WORLD CUP 6 7 JUNE FORT WILLIAM Fort William has never failed to deliver and once again spectators will witness some of the world s best downhill mountain bikers set against the stunning backdrop of the Nevis Range. In addition to the nail-biting moments on and around the course, the World Cup Village offers trade stands offering all the latest mountain bike goodies, demonstrations, competitions, food and drink, support competitions and some unusual entertainment. EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL JUNE Edinburgh International Film Festival is committed to showcasing the most exciting, original and challenging new films and the most promising new talent. The 69th EIFF will take place in June 2015 and a few highlights have already been announced. The EIFF and the RSNO are celebrating the 30th anniversary of EIFF s UK Premiere of Robert Zemeckis legendary Back to the Future, accompanied by Alan Silvestri s dazzling score performed live. Plus the main retrospective is LITTLE BIG SCREEN, which will offer the rare opportunity to see some of the finest American TV movies including Steven Spielberg s Duel. KEEP UP TO DATE WITH THE LATEST EVENT NEWS Subscribe to the Scotland The Perfect Stage e-newsletter and keep up with the latest event news. Simply visit EventScotland.org and enter your address at the top of the page. Follow us on Published by VisitScotland Events Directorate PAGE 08 All media enquiries should be directed to Stuart MacKenzie, Media and PR Manager. Images courtesy of featured events. Glasgow International Comedy Festival, Fred MacAulay (2015). Image credit: Andrew Laing. Mountain Bike World Cup. Image credit: Gary Williamson. Glasgow Film Festival (2014). Image credit: Eoin Carey. STA National Final Chris Watt Photography Printed on recycled paper SCOTLAND THE PEFFECT STAGE ISSUE 42 SPRING 2015 EventScotland 5th Floor, Ocean Point One 94 Ocean Drive Edinburgh EH6 6JH information@eventscotland.org or Tel: +44 (0) For up-to-date information and listings, please see