Is Scotland still ‘The Perfect Stage?’ National events strategy to be ‘reviewed’ as it hits midway point

Scotland’s national events strategy is set to be reviewed as it hits the midway point of its ten-year life.

‘The Perfect Stage’, first launched in 2015, will be assessed next year to see whether it still reflects the ambitions it set out to achieve four years ago.

The details were revealed in the Scottish Government’s annual Programme for Government, published earlier this month.

According to the policy document for 2020/2021: “Our national events strategy, Scotland: The Perfect Stage, launched in 2015 and runs until 2025. Now at the mid-point, this year we will review the strategy to ensure it continues to reflect our ambitions and priorities for Scotland’s position on the global events stage.”

The document mentions the prestigious events being held in Scotland this year, including the Solheim Cup, the biggest event in women’s golf, currently underway at Gleneagles.

In December, the European Short Course Swimming Championships will come to Glasgow and in June 2020 Scotland will host a number of UEFA European Football Championship matches.

The document states: “Hosting these events will enhance Scotland’s reputation as a destination for major international events, promote Hampden as a leading venue and provide more opportunity for people in Scotland to experience world-class sport. We will introduce legislation to support the successful running of the Euro 2020 matches in Glasgow by prohibiting ticket touting and protecting commercial interests.”

It also reflected the event bid ‘wins’ for Scotland this year, including the hosting of future editions of the Sprint World Orienteering Championships and the European Indoor Climbing Championships. The Island Games will be held in Orkney in 2023.

And in 2023, Scotland will host the inaugural Cycling World Championships, combining the world championships of 13 cycling disciplines and holding them concurrently in venues across Scotland. Welcoming another innovative event to Scotland confirms the country’s position as a ‘world leader’ in hosting bold new events.

The document states: “The World Championships will also be used as a catalyst to drive behavioural change in Scotland. It will provide a platform for wider benefits, such as those associated with active travel, healthier lifestyles and activity-based tourism. Our longer-term vision is that Scotland will truly become a Cycling Nation.”

For full details of Scotland’s major events and festivals policy aims, visit here.

 

 

 

 

Programme for Government