Fife Tourism Partnership

Scotland’s future National Events Strategy Review and Update

28 March 2023

A public consultation has been launched to gather views which will shape Scotland’s future National Events Strategy.

The Scotland the Perfect Stage strategy was first published in 2008 in response to Scotland’s potential to be a global leader in the events industry. It was last updated in 2015 to cover the period between 2015 and 2025.

Under this strategy, Scotland has successfully established a global reputation for excellence in event delivery, supporting a strong and dynamic events industry, and producing a world-class portfolio of business, sporting and cultural events. Such events contribute widespread economic, social, and cultural benefits to Scotland.  

The updated strategy will provide strategic focus for all involved in any aspect of planning, securing, supporting and delivering events of all sizes in Scotland. This will cover the period to the end of 2035.

The consultation has been developed by the Scottish Government, working with our events directorate and partners including event sector representatives, local authorities and trade unions. It asks for feedback on a range of areas. This includes priorities for events and the event sector in Scotland, the accessibility of events and what it is like to work in events. It also asks how events in Scotland can continue to collaborate, innovate and further help promote cities, regions and Scotland as a whole.

Who is the consultation aimed at?

  • People who attend or would like to attend events in Scotland and groups who represent them
  • People living in communities where events are held and groups who represent them
  • Organisations and people working in and with the Scottish event industry, across the public, private and third sectors
  • People and organisations from outside of Scotland, to hear about their experiences of Scottish events and working with the Scottish events sector

Events are about bringing people together and creating unique experiences. They showcase our nation’s creativity and innovation, welcoming and inclusive culture, and support our fantastic tourism offering.

Scotland has established a global reputation for excellence in event delivery which brings significant economic, social and cultural benefits. The current National Events Strategy has been central to supporting that.

I would urge anyone or any organisation involved in the events industry, both in Scotland and internationally, to take the time to share their views. - Culture Minister Neil Gray

Events make a key contribution to Scotland’s economy, boosting its profile internationally whilst enhancing community engagement, empowerment and inclusion.

Since the launch of the Scotland the Perfect Stage events strategy, Scotland has continued to evolve as a dynamic, world-leading events destination year-on-year, generating economic, social, and cultural impacts. We must ensure we continue to take forward a collective ambition for the sector. The launch of the strategy consultation today ensures that everyone has the chance to contribute to the future priorities and shape of our vital sector - Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events

Scotland’s National Events Strategy has been the foundation for helping develop a strong and dynamic events sector in this country. Few industries have the impact events do and today’s launch of the strategy consultation is a chance for all areas of the events sector and beyond, to put forward their views on the strategic focus needed to ensure we continue to deliver strong social and economic benefits for Scotland.

By advocating, working in partnership and collaborating, we can all ensure Scotland maintains its viability and reputation as a world-class events destination - Peter Duthie, Chief Executive Scottish Event Campus and Event Industry Advisory Group Chair

How to take part

The public consultation will run for a period of 14 weeks and will close on Friday 30 June.    

To support the online consultation, we will be delivering a series of face-to-face regional industry engagement workshops throughout April and May 2023. More information on how to register your interest in attending will be available in due course. 

Visit the Scottish Government website for further information and to take part in the online consultation.

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