Help Sitemap Home Skip Navigation Contact Us Disability Statement

Endinburgh Council
 
 
Wednesday, 4th November 2009 Change Date Latest Issue

Tartan Week 'not good value for money'

Click on thumbnail to view image
Click on thumbnail to view image
Click on thumbnail to view image
Click on thumbnail to view image
Click on thumbnail to view image

Published Date:
14 September 2007
CITY COUNCIL REPORTER
EDINBURGH is set to snub New York's Tartan Week celebrations for the first time, as city leaders say the Capital does not gain anything from the event.
Council chiefs said they could not justify sending representatives to New York because there was nothing in it for Edinburgh.

Deputy council leader Steve Cardownie, the city's festivals and events champion, said: "There has been a lot of criticis
m in the past of the kind of impact that Tartan Week has in terms of benefiting Edinburgh. I'm not sure we've seen much benefit at all."

Council leader Jenny Dawe, who has been to Tartan Week twice, said: "I do feel it is hard to justify a big presence, unless there is a particular theme we can buy into.

"We don't want to close the door on future participation but I don't think we want to commit anything in the current financial climate."

The move comes as the Scottish Government revealed the council is unlikely to receive any funding for next year's Tartan Week.

Last year the council secured £70,000 from Holyrood for a string of initiatives aimed at showcasing Edinburgh and its festivals. The council spends an average of £10,000 on Tartan Week activities every year and it has been attended by various city dignitaries including former Lord Provost Lesley Hinds.

But council officials are recommending Edinburgh pulls out this year, ahead of Alex Salmond's SNP administration announcing the results of a major review into the funding of Tartan Week events.

Resources from Holyrood are expected to be ploughed into efforts across North America during Tartan Week rather than be focused in New York.

Civil servants are said to have warned funding will no longer be awarded to initiatives promoting particular parts of Scotland.

A report for Edinburgh's councillors states that of 47 companies who attended a Fringe showcase in New York during last year's Tartan Week, 35 were able to stage shows in Edinburgh last month.

But in his report for councillors, director of corporate services Jim Inch said: "The Scottish Government's approach to Tartan Week activity next year is currently under review.

"They've indicated they are considering spreading activity over a number of cities in North America, focusing on a business agenda and ministerial meetings.

"It's very unlikely that they will give specific financial support to council activity and events promoting an Edinburgh-specific agenda."

One senior council source said: "It's clear the new government has new priorities for Tartan Week and it's difficult for the council to justify a big investment without any support from elsewhere."

Ewan Colville, VisitScotland's marketing manager for North America said: "Although plans for Tartan Week '08 are still being finalised, Edinburgh, as Scotland's most popular city for US visitors, will be at the forefront of our activity."

A spokeswoman for the Scottish Government said: "We're currently reviewing the Scottish Government's engagement with Tartan Week to strengthen our links with North America and maximise the benefits for Scotland in terms of business, tourism and culture.

"Plans for next year will be set out over the coming months."



Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 14 September 2007 10:44 AM
  • Source: Edinburgh Evening News
  • Location: Edinburgh
  • Related Topics: Tartan Week
 
1

Young Bob II,

Edinburgh 14/09/2007 11:25:06

More money for...

SCAMS FOR EDINBURGH

SORRY

TRAMS....

2

Beergut,

Embra 14/09/2007 11:36:39

What I think we fail to realise in the UK is that people in the rest of America are largely unaware of Tartan week going on in New York. There are innumerable Scottish cultural events taking place all over America and Canada which people actually interested in Scotland and its culture go to. These are the people we need to be talking to as they are the ones likely to spend the money to come here. New York is not historically linked to Scotland in any significant way and all the razamatazz there doesn't have any effect elsewhere in that vast, inward-looking country. It's a great idea for the cooncillors and their wives to hit the shops and theatres courtesy of the budget, rub shoulders with "Shir Shean", that kind of thing but a complete waste of time and money if it is intended to boost tourism.

3

The Judge,

14/09/2007 11:44:20

This event was only ever a junket for polticos and their husbands/wifes, it never had any benefit for Edinburgh or Scotland.

I can't believe Steve"Armani off the rack"Cardownie turned down a freebie. Strange times at Waverley Towers. Long may it continue.

4

Calum Crubag,

14/09/2007 11:56:02

Time that more politicians acted like this.

5

Busymale,

14/09/2007 12:02:43

Councillors cutting down on jollies? Sounds too good to be true.

6

Jimmy Wygge,

McKiev 14/09/2007 12:17:14

So the SNP are throwing off their mantel as 'Tartan Tories' - jist plain 'Tories' noo!

Hope that Jenny's and Stevies' new robes aren't plaid!

7

Kieron,

Stirling 14/09/2007 12:34:32

There is enough tartan tat and general tourist-related guff in Edinburgh as it is. We don't need any more thanks!

8

Choose a nameDr_Joseph_Phd,

Tynescos 14/09/2007 12:47:30

Sense would have seen St Andrews Day, Burns Suppers and Hogmanay promoted rather than this foundationless fiction.

9

SeriouslyAmused,

14/09/2007 14:35:06

I cannot understand why Scotland does not get heavily involved with the many Scottish events and bodies in the US, Canada and elsewhere. Tartan Week does not work, if you look at the US press during it, hardly any reporting is done.

10

Redfive,

14/09/2007 14:46:42

Wow we are on 10 posts and not one anti-english post yet whats going on ?

11

The Judge,

14/09/2007 14:49:16

#10 There is no reason for Scotland to get involved in any Scottish events in the US or anywhere else for that matter, Scotland can sell itself on the back of word of mouth alone.
I don't know how many people living overseas who claim to have some sort of "Scottish heritage" but it must run into 10's of millions and ever time one of them visit the old country they tell all their friends about the great time they had. We didn't need parades in New York to sell Scotland.

12

Tim (Blairgowrie),

14/09/2007 15:21:43

Perhaps that money would be better spent improving the "experience" of Scotland for tourists from across the globe to improve the chance of their return and/or recommending to others. I agree with what The Judge says, in general people already know what Scotland has to offer (or at the very least believe they do).

13

Steve Evans,

Malta 14/09/2007 15:23:13

Most people around the world know where Scotland is these days.

14

Aoda,

Pennylvania Wilds 14/09/2007 16:13:49

Like I said before get out of NYC. The Scots, Scot-Irish, were at first only welcomed to Pennsylvania mountains and then down thru the Applications. After the Civil War they moved West.

There are many clan societies in the U.S.A. and they do have games. True we have fun and enjoy celebrating our ancestors, however there is where represenatives of Scotland should go. It would also be the best way to reach out to the people and educate us on modern Scotland.

While there are chapters nationwide, the action seems to be in Georgia, a nice state for a visit.

Canada also boast of many of Scottish heritage, Nove Scotia, and are also very active. I probably have cousins in Canada.

I know that the Scottish Societies in Canada and America would only be too glad to help spread not only the historical Scotland but also the modern one.


There are many of Scottish heritage in Canada,

15

big var t..,

edinburgh 14/09/2007 16:22:58

GOODNESS SAKE. MAKES ME SO PROUD TO BE SCOTISH,tartan week has come at the same time as SCOTLAND 1 france 0.I work hard every week,,,rather give it to TARTANweek, more than,, ect,ect,ect

16

Jock Scot,

Edinbro 14/09/2007 16:49:22

Just put Sean Connery in Highland Dress on the front of a Shortbread Tin and you have NY Tartan Week.
Americans celebrating their heritage, what a lot of flannel, plaid flannel.

17

Edward,

14/09/2007 16:49:27

Looking at that picture of the two labour councillors waving and walking through New York, is just that!
Just two women waving and walking through New York! Its a junket for them, its doesnt say anything about either Edinburgh, Glasgow or Scotland!
Tartan Week does have a presence, but it has not been worked enough by the previous Labour Libdem Holyrood administration.
Should we encourage it? yes we should
In its present form? No!
The main platform should be promotion of Scotland, from tourism through to commerce (industry & air links). Individual councils should not just send councillors to 'walk and wave'. Representation can be there, but as part of the Governmental platform

18

Edward,

14/09/2007 16:54:13

#17 Jock Scot, Edinbro
This has been the problem with the shortbread tin approach by the previous Labour administration and Jack McConnells questionable Kilt
Tartan week in the US, should be worked, but in a more professional manner and to be inclusive of sports teams (eg Football and Rugby)
Scotland needs to promote itself to attract inwward investment and tourism as this is what the country needs, so should make better use of Tartan Week

19

Mr Bob Dobolina,

edimbra..... 14/09/2007 18:47:09

Not an inspired vision for our city and countries future.
#1 well said , also #19

but hey Jenny and stevie got to go to new york. That was the problem with our labour councillor, he was allways over seas on a junket.

I remember stevie 'who want to be a millionaire' at the time extolling the merits of it ............

20

eveninglies,

edinburgh 14/09/2007 19:03:22

I think it is quite correct for Scotland to send representatives to Tartan Week. American tourists are good for business in Scotland.
Perhaps some arrangement with large hotel and airline companies could keep costs down, As they will benifit from these good relations.

21

Evie,

Back Door Holyrood 14/09/2007 19:09:12

Aye here we go. The Cooncil may have finally seen the light that all intelligent residents saw years ago. Fancy that. Oh and not forgetting that it took a valuable £80,000.00 to come to that conclusion.

22

USA Hibee,

14/09/2007 19:29:33

#14
Maybe in Malta they do.
I have lived in America for 7 yrs and as far as knowing where Scotland is they STILL think Scotland is in England.
They know very little about why its called Gt Britain.
There are Clan Gatherings all over America but again as someone pointed out they are all claiming their heritage.
When asked where my accent comes from i ask them to guess.... i have had English,Irish,Australian... and god forbid Czech...
Don`t get me wrong i like it here but it does grate a bit having to explain where Scotland is.

23

easypleased,

14/09/2007 20:15:32

I'm sure there are more than a few clan gatherings going on in the U.S but more likely the pointy hat kind. maybe there's kilts under there. or even worse cooncillors,,,,,,,

24

Donald, Edinburgh,

14/09/2007 20:18:42

It would appear that ex-Glasgow Provost Liz Cameron is adept in the ancient and noble art of levitation.

25

Helen,

14/09/2007 22:07:23

They look a bit like Fran and Anna....but probably aren't quite as talented!!!!

26

akela,

Western New York 14/09/2007 23:00:30

As you can see I live in Western New York, a long way from NYC. I think tartan week is a good idea for those that know what a tartan is, along with you are not to claim a tartan unless you are indeed a clan member. Then of course it would be nice if they knew what tartan they were wearing. It might be better spent to educate the public as you wear and show a tartan. Otherwise, they are just wearing clothes that mean nothing to them, nor does it matter to them where they are from. I am a weaver of tri shawls and try to educate the public when I do tartans with the history and family name as well. is that not important also?

27

Kitti Kat,

14/09/2007 23:22:54

Problem with Tartan Week in (yuk) New York is that most of us in the US don't know about it. It's not advertised in most areas and I don't blame Edinburgh for pulling out. Taxpayers are not getting their money's worth by sending people over to gad about in NY. Here on the Main Line there's a lot of Brits and Scots who never heard of tartan week. Yet, we have many people who used to attend the Scottish Games when they were held on the Devon Horse Show Grounds. For some reason, they don't have them here any more, which is a shame. Perhaps the Visit Scotland , along with Edinburgh and any other interested towns should get together and advertise in other areas. We have a shop called Over the Pond in Media, PA whose owner specializes in Scottish and English (sorry) wares, food, etc. and would have no trouble (along with me) in promoting Scotland.

28

Clubby,

15/09/2007 02:07:12

I'm sure the folks at Tartan Week don't have a clue that the oldest Highland Games in North America are hosted by the St. Andrew's Society of Detroit (Michigan). Next year marks their 159th annual Highland Games. How many Highland Games has New York City held?

29

Jock H. the Republic of Scotland,

Arvada, Colorado, USA,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,N/BRA 15/09/2007 21:33:43

Cheap,Cheap, Cheap way to go Edinburgh, how much money do you collect during your festival season from the North American tourists and others, now you are complaining about a few grand to represent Edinburgh in the Tartan week celebrations, as i have said typical,,,,,,,,, CHEAP, CHEAP, CHEAP,,,,,,,,

30

circa53,

Bloomfield Hills, Mich. U.S.A. 10/03/2008 04:59:27
We've been in business for 159 years....highlandgames.com......

 

Comment on this Story

 

In order to post comments you must Register or Sign In

 
 
RSS Feed of this article's comments
Delivery formats: RSS, Atom, Javascript & Email
 
  

 
 


Sister Newspapers:
Press Complaints Commission

This website and its associated newspaper adheres to the Press Complaints Commission’s Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then contact the Editor by clicking here.

If you remain dissatisfied with the response provided then you can contact the PCC by clicking here.