Scotland’s Themed Years have been running since 2009 as a way to celebrate a particular side to Scotland that deserves recognition.  

In 2020 we began celebrating the Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters, and in light of the impact of COVID-19, this Themed Year has been extended across 2021.  

Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022 (YS22) 

2022 has been designated Scotland’s Year of Stories. This will be a year in which stories inspired by, created, or written in Scotland will be showcased and celebrated. 

The love of stories is one of the strongest ways we connect with one another and share our experiences. Stories are vital to every part of Scotland. These include our local tales, oral traditions, stories told in books or on screen – all inspired by our country and culture. 

A programme of activity will be designed and delivered in celebration of the Themed Year to support the nation’s tourism and events sectors. The Year of Stories funded events programme will be central to the overall programme of activity delivered as part of the Themed Year. 

The Year of Stories 2022 Open Events Fund 

EventScotland are seeking event proposals that will capture the imagination and help us to tell and to celebrate Scotland’s wealth of unique stories.  

Successful proposals must provide strong engagement opportunities that create key moments across the year capable of driving high levels of media coverage, audience awareness and attendance.  

Both brand new and one-off events as well as high profile new programme strands created to provide additionality within existing events or festivals specifically for the Themed Year are eligible. 

A total fund value of £600,000 is available for eligible events planned to take place across 2022.

Organisers may apply for individual grants of between £15,000 – £60,000. The deadline for all applications is Thursday 12 August 2021.  

To find out more and apply visit EventScotland

Source: EventScotland