Tourism and events
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Island Games come to Scotland
Games are part of a four-year pipeline of major events.
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Island resilience fund opens
£4.4 million targeted support for businesses.
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Proposed national Good Food Nation Plan consultation: statement
This statement on the consultation on the proposed national Good Food Nation Plan, as required by section 4(5) of the Good Food Nation (Scotland) Act 2022, sets out how consultation throughout the development of the Plan has informed the approach taken.
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National Good Food Nation Plan: Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment
The Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment for the national Good Food Nation Plan.
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Cruise ship levies - design, implementation and impacts: international evidence review
This report sets out the findings of a desk-based review of the evidence on the impact of cruise ship levies in the context of international jurisdictions.
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UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill: equality impact assessment
Equality impact assessment for the UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill.
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National Islands Plan: annual report 2024
The Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 requires that a report is presented to Parliament each year setting out the progress made towards delivery of the National Islands Plan. This report sets out progress made during the 2024 reporting year.
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UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill: island communities impact assessment
Island Communities Impact Assessment for UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill.
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UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill: Fairer Scotland Duty assessment not required declaration
Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment declaration for the UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill.
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UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment (CRWIA)
Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) for UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill.
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UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill: final business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA)
Final Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) for UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill.
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Cruise Ship Levy consultation
Views sought on proposed new power for councils.
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Cruise ship levy: consultation
We are seeking views on a potential local authority cruise ship levy in Scotland. Specifically on the benefits and problems a cruise ship levy could bring, the potential impacts (both positive and negative), and practical questions about how any such levy could best work.
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New deal for agriculture
Flexible grants to drive efficiency, support nature and climate friendly farming.
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National Marine Plan 2 - planning position statement: consultation
This Planning Position Statement (PPS) is the culmination of our work to date on the development of Scotland’s National Marine Plan 2 (NMP2) and consolidates stakeholder feedback, setting out the latest development of high-level objectives and policy ideas for NMP2. Take part in the consultation: https://consult.gov.scot/marine-scotland/national-marine-plan-2-planning-position-statement/
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Natural capital - importance to the Scottish economy: research
This research identifies sectors reliant on natural capital in Scotland and quantifies the economic value of these nature-dependent sectors at national and regional levels. The methodology values our economy's dependence on nature, estimating £40 billion economic output and 261,000 jobs supported.
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UEFA EURO 2028 Commercial Rights Protection: consultation analysis - easy read
Independent analysis of responses to the public consultation on proposed commercial rights protection measures for UEFA EURO 2028.
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UEFA EURO 2028 Commercial Rights Protection: consultation analysis - final report
Independent analysis of responses to the public consultation on proposed commercial rights protection measures for UEFA EURO 2028.
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National Islands Plan: Implementation Route Map 2024
Details how we will deliver our priorities over the lifetime of the National Islands Plan. It identifies the methods to monitor progress towards fulfilling the many commitments in the Plan and sets out timescales for delivery of our work.
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National Good Food Nation Plan: consultation analysis - executive summary - easy read
Easy read version of the executive summary of the independent analysis of responses to the consultation on the national Good Food Nation plan.
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National Good Food Nation Plan: consultation analysis
An independent analysis of the responses to the consultation on the national Good Food Nation plan.
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Climate change - Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029: business and regulatory impact assessment
Business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) undertaken for the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029.
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Short-term lets: regulation information
Information about the regulation of short-term lets in Scotland.
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Visitor Levy Bill passed
Local authorities empowered to invest in tourism.
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National events strategy 2024 to 2035: island communities impact assessment
The island communities impact assessment (ICIA) for the refreshed national events strategy 2024 to 2035.
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National events strategy 2024 to 2035: business and regulatory impact assessment
The full business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) for the refreshed national events strategy 2024 to 2035.
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National events strategy 2024 to 2035: fairer Scotland duty summary
The Fairer Scotland Duty (FSD) summary for the refreshed national events strategy 2024 to 2035.
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National events strategy 2024 to 2035: children's right and wellbeing impact assessment - stage 1 and 2
The children's right and wellbeing impact assessment (CRWIA) for the refreshed national events strategy 2024 to 2035.
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National events strategy 2024 to 2035: equality impact assessment
This equality impact assessment (EQIA) results report provides a summary of the key findings from the detailed work undertaken to assess potential equality impacts of the National Events Strategy 2024 to 2035.
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Short Term Lets Licensing Statistics, to 31 December 2023
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) (Amendment) Order 2024: business and regulatory impact assessment
Business and regulatory impact assessment for the 2024 Amendment Order providing a technical update to the Short-Term Lets licensing scheme. It includes provisions which have a practical effect on the operation of the scheme.
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Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) (Amendment) Order 2024: impact assessments
The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) Order 2022 requires local authorities to establish a short-term lets licensing scheme. The 2024 Order includes provisions which have a practical effect on the licensing scheme.
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UEFA EURO 2028 - proposed legislation: business and regulatory impact assessment - partial
This partial business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) estimates costs, benefits, and risks for proposed legislation to meet UEFA’s EURO 2028 requirements.
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UEFA EURO 2028 - commercial rights protection: consultation
This consultation paper seeks input from street traders, media owners, and businesses in event zones potentially impacted by EURO 2028 measures. We also seek input from residents and groups across Scotland on various measures, like street trading and ticket touting.
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Aithris Bhliadhnail air Plana Nàiseanta nan Eilean 2023
Gaelic version of the National Islands Plan annual report 2023
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Inspiring Connections: Scotland's International Culture Strategy - Gaelic Version
’S e amas na ro-innleachd taic a chur ri roinn cultair is chruthachail na h-Alba a bhith ceangailte aig ìre na cruinne gus an coilean i a h-amasan is comasan eadar-nàiseanta, is a bhith a’ cur ri math cultarail, sòisealta, eaconamach is àrainneachd na h-Alba tro a h-obair eadar-nàiseanta.
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National Islands Plan: annual report 2023
The Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 requires that a report is presented to Parliament each year setting out the progress made towards delivery of the National Islands Plan. This report sets out progress made during the 2023 reporting year.
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Inspiring Connections: Scotland's International Culture Strategy
This strategy aims to support Scotland's culture and creative sector to be globally connected with the means and opportunities to achieve its international ambitions and potential, and contribute to Scotland’s cultural, social, economic and environmental wellbeing through its international work.
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Inspiring Connections: Scotland's International Culture Strategy - EasyRead version
An EasyRead version of Inspiring Connections: Scotland’s International Culture Strategy.
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International Culture Strategy: Partial Business Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA)
A partial Business Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) to support the development of an International Culture Strategy.
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International culture strategy: equality impact assessment
Findings from an equality impact assessment of our international culture strategy.
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Prostitution - challenging and deterring men's demand: strategic approach
Sets our our collective approach, working with stakeholders across the wider public and third sector, to challenge and deter men’s demand for prostitution and support those with experience of it.
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Building a New Scotland: Culture in an independent Scotland - Easy Read
Easy read version of the Scottish Government's vision for culture in an independent Scotland.
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Building a New Scotland: Culture in an independent Scotland
This paper sets out the Scottish Government's vision for culture in an independent Scotland.
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Scotland's International Strategy
This strategy sets out our approach to international engagement and delivery to the end of the current parliamentary term.
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Am Plana Nàiseanta airson Dùthaich a tha Math a Thaobh Biadh: Sgrìobhainn Chochomhairleachaidh
This consultation covers the content of the national Good Food Nation Plan. It seeks views on the Outcomes; ways of measuring progress; and how different groups envision life in a Good Food Nation. It also seeks views on specified functions. This is a Gaelic translation of the consultation.
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Geàrr-iomradh air a' Phlana Nàiseanta airson Dùthaich a tha Math a Thaobh Biadh
The national Good Food Nation Plan sets out six over-arching Outcomes; the range of targets and indicators that will be used to gauge progress towards achieving them; and details of food-related policies and initiatives from across the Scottish Government. This is a Gaelic summary of the Plan.
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National Good Food Nation Plan: consultation - easy read
Easy read version of our consultation on the national Good Food Nation Plan, which sets out the Government's goals for food and how we will achieve them.
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National Good Food Nation Plan
The national Good Food Nation Plan sets out six over-arching Outcomes for a Good Food Nation; the range of targets and indicators that will be used to gauge progress towards achieving them; and details of a wide range of food-related policies and initiatives from across the Scottish Government.
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National Good Food Nation Plan: consultation
We are consulting on the first national Good Food Nation Plan. We are seeking views on the national Good Food Nation Outcomes, ways of measuring progress and how different groups envision life in a Good Food Nation. It also seeks views on specified functions.
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International culture strategy: consultation analysis
Analysis of responses to the public consultation for the international culture strategy.
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International culture strategy: consultation analysis - executive summary - easy read
Analysis of responses to the public consultation for the international culture strategy.
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Scotland's Marine Economic Statistics 2021
Statistics on the economic contributions of Scotland’s marine sectors in 2021. Includes a time series of Gross Value Added (GVA), turnover and employment for marine sectors. The supporting documents include: additional tables in an excel file and a pdf version of the publication
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National events strategy review: consultation analysis
Independent analysis of responses to the public consultation supporting the review of the national events strategy (Scotland The Perfect Stage).
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National events strategy review: consultation analysis - easy read
Easy read version of the independent analysis of responses to the public consultation supporting the review of the national events strategy (Scotland The Perfect Stage).
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Placing diverse communities at the heart of events
UCI Cycling World Championships support work on refreshed strategy.
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World’s biggest cycling event gets underway
People encouraged to celebrate the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.
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National Islands Plan review: consultation
We are consulting on a review of the National Islands Plan, published in 2019. This review is required by the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018. We are seeking views on the impact and content of the current National Islands Plan.
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National Islands Plan: implementation route map 2023
Details how we will deliver on the commitments in the National Islands Plan, over the coming year.
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Just transition in land use and agriculture: a discussion paper
This discussion paper is intended to support engagement on a just transition for the land use and agriculture sectors. Building on this engagement, a draft targeted action plan and route map (late 23/24) will outline the key steps to delivering a fair transition.
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Buidheann-obrach Gheàrr-bheatha air Cothroman Eaconamach is Sòisealta don Ghàidhlig: Aithisg do Rùnaire a' Chaibineit airson Ionmhas is na h-Eaconamaidh
Aithisg air molaidhean na Buidhne-obrach Gheàrr-bheatha air Cothroman Eaconamach is Sòisealta don Ghàidhlig.
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Short Life Working Group on Economic and Social Opportunities for Gaelic: report
A report to the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy containing the recommendations of the Short Life Working Group on Economic and Social Opportunities for Gaelic.
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Scottish Natural Capital Accounts: 2023
This report estimates quantity and value of services supplied by Scotland's natural capital.
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Visitor Levy Bill: business and regulatory impact assessment
Business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) that looks at the likely costs, benefits and risks of the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill.
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Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill: equality impact assessment
The results of the equality impact assessment (EQIA) undertaken in respect of the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill.
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Visitor Levy Bill: Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment
Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment (FSD) undertaken to assess any potential socio-economic disadvantage or inequalities in respect of the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill.
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Visitor Levy Bill: data protection impact assessment
Data protection impact assessment(DPIA) for the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill.
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Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill: island communities impact assessment
An island communities impact assessment (ICIA) considering the potential impact of the introduction of the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill on island communities.
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Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment
Child Rights and wellbeing impact assessment (CRWIA) examining the potential impact of the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill on children's human rights.
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Visitor levy legislation introduced
Councils empowered to raise money for local tourism.
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Equality, opportunity, community: New leadership - A fresh start
This publication sets out the First Minister’s vision for Scotland and the outcomes he and his government aim to achieve by 2026.
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Scotland's Year of Stories 2022: equality impact assessment
Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022 showcased Scotland’s strongest culture, tourism and events assets and other key aspects of society by creating a collaborative platform for partners to work together and maximise benefits. The report highlights evidence, opportunities and actions to boost equality.
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National Islands Plan Annual Report 2022
The Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 requires that a report is presented to Parliament each year setting out the progress made towards delivery of the National Islands Plan. This report sets out progress made during the 2022 reporting year.
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National Events Strategy Review: Easy Read version
Easy Read version of consultation to help shape the review of Scotland's National Events Strategy.
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National events strategy review: consultation - Gaelic version
Gaelic version of consultation to help shape the review of Scotland's national events strategy.
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National events strategy review: consultation
Scotland's National events strategy is being reviewed and updated. This will extend its term to the end of 2035. This survey provides everyone with a role in Scotland’s world-class event industry the chance to shape the sector’s updated strategy.
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National events strategy review: business and regulatory impact assessment - partial
Partial business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) for the consultation to help shape the review of Scotland's national events strategy.
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Event industry support fund 3: equality impact assessment
Equality impact assessment for the event industry support fund 3.
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Omicron events sector top up fund: equality impact assessment
Equality impact assessment for the Omicron events sector top up fund.
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EventScotland - national and international event funding programmes: equality impact assessment
Equality impact assessment for the National and International funding programmes delivered by EventScotland.
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Flexible planning rules
New measures to boost hospitality and town centre recovery.
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Scotland's Marine Economic Statistics 2020
Statistics on the economic contributions of Scotland’s marine sectors in 2020. Includes a time series of Gross Value Added (GVA), turnover and employment for marine sectors. The supporting documents include: additional tables in an excel file and a pdf version of the publication.
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More time to apply for short-term lets licences
Pragmatic approach to support hosts during cost of living crisis.
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Monitor farm project develops global offering
Funding for growing agritourism sector.
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Restricting alcohol advertising and promotion: consultation
This consultation seeks views on potential restrictions to alcohol advertising and promotion in Scotland.
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Licensing scheme opens for short-term lets
Measures to establish consistent standards across the country.
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Supporting Scotland’s local food and drink
Recipients of the Regional Food Fund announced.
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Investing in rural tourism
£3.9 million to support visitor management
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International travel restrictions end
Concerns over lack of border control measures.
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International travel restrictions eased
Most people will not need to take a test.
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Supporting the tourism sector
£9 million to mitigate impacts of Omicron.
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Large outdoor events resume from 17 January
Measures covering indoor events and hospitality to be reviewed in one week.
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Targeted funds for culture and events
£65 million to help ease impact of pandemic.
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Omicron restrictions take effect
Measures to limit the spread of new variant.
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New television studio to grow sector
Kelvin Hall will host major TV broadcasters and production companies.
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Scotland’s Winter Festivals
£430,000 funding boost.
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Licensing short-term lets
Legislation laid before Scottish Parliament.
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Scotland’s Covid Certificates Accepted by the EU
Scots must update certification status before travelling abroad.
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Final countries taken off the red list
Vaccinated traveller policy expanded.
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Events line-up to enrich climate conference
A series of innovative cultural events are to be staged to mark COP26.
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Countries taken off the red list
Vaccinated traveller policy also expanded.
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International travel testing updated
Scotland to align with UK testing regime.
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International travel restrictions to be relaxed and simplified
Streamlined system merges amber and green lists and retains red list.
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International travellers to Scotland will be able to use private sector COVID tests
Economy boosting step backed by move to clamp down on poor performers.
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Canada and the Azores added to travel green list
Expanded list includes Denmark and Switzerland while Thailand goes red.
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Edinburgh Festivals return
World leading festivals begin bounce back from impact of COVID-19.
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Significant easing of restrictions for fully vaccinated travellers from the EU and US
Step only possible due to success of vaccination programmes.
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Finding the future of tourism and hospitality
New recruitment drive for tourism and hospitality sectors.
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Supporting Edinburgh’s festivals
COVID-19 funding to aid cultural recovery.
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Short term lets: planning guidance for hosts and operators
This draft planning guidance is intended for hosts and operators of short-term lets. A separate planning circular has been prepared for planning authorities.
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Expanded travel green list for Scotland
Key destinations added following latest review.
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Portugal placed on amber travel list
Change made following concerns over spread of Delta variant.
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Promoting tourism
New £3 million fund to help industry rebuild.
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£25 million for tourism recovery
Supporting the sector to rebuild.
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Supporting rural tourism
Preparing for increased visitor numbers this summer.
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Undoing damage and creating stability
Support for hardest hit communities and sectors.
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Dubai designated for public health quarantine
Travellers returning to self-isolate on arrival in Scotland.
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The Stone of Destiny
Iconic symbol to be moved to Perth.
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Expansion of hospitality provisions
Changes to current restrictions.
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Proposals for tourism recovery
Taskforce recommendations published.
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Strengthening Cairn Gorm’s future
£20.51 million to unlock mountain’s potential.
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New safety rules for hospitality industry
Regulations make it mandatory to collect customer and visitor information.
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Travellers from France and the Netherlands to face quarantine rules
Increase in coronavirus cases sees quarantine requirements.
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Funding boost for science centres
Extra £2m to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.
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Further funding for tourism
Lifeline support for sector.
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Supporting events
New funding to keep Scotland centre stage.
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Green light for live drive-in events
First steps for event sector recovery signalled.
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Tourism sector reopens
Further restrictions on tourism lifted.
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Cultural venues start to re-open
Guidance in place for sector to safely start welcoming visitors.
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Socialising safely
Restrictions on outdoor hospitality industry eased.
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Travel restrictions lifted
Tourism to benefit from further Phase 2 changes.
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Final Phase 2 measures confirmed
Face coverings and 2 metre rule exemptions announced in preparation for Phase 3.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): Dumfries and Galloway
Delay to relaxation of restrictions in parts of the region.
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New tourism taskforce
Group meets to consider sector’s recovery.
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Restarting tourism safely
New workplace guidance published.
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Support for zoos
Package of measures available.
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Support for tourism industry
Sector prepares for return to business.
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Supporting tourism through coronavirus
Economic assistance confirmed.
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Campsites and caravan parks to close
Visitors staying on leisure sites asked to return home.
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Tourism drive
Funding to develop tourism in North Ayrshire.
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Supporting food and drink tourism
Putting Scottish produce on the map.
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Tourism statistics
Information on where to find up-to-date information on tourism statistics in Scotland.
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Ban on Euro 2020 ticket touting to become law
Bill unanimously passes final stage in Scottish Parliament.
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Tourism fund now open for applications
Rural projects encouraged to apply.
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An appetite for Scotland
Extra funding to promote local produce.
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Short-term lets
Consultation responses back regulation.
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UEFA European Championship Bill
Bill proposes to criminalise ticket touting for matches.
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Waverley fund gathers steam
£1 million announced for historic vessel.
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Empowering local communities
Consultation on local levy launched.
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Supporting Scotland’s tourism industry
Commitment to work with sector to tackle challenges.
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South of Scotland Tourism Investment
Major land restoration project.
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Rural tourism investment
Projects to benefit from a share of nearly £2.9 million.
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Bridges bring benefits
Attracting visitors to the Firth of Forth.
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Rise in European visitors
Number of visitors and tourism spend continue to increase.
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Economic benefits of hosting The Open revealed
Prestigious golf tournament worth £120 million to Scottish economy.
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Rural tourism investment
Projects to benefit from £3 million funding.
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Support for new tourist resort
Funding for south of Scotland development
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Record year for overseas visitors
Increase in tourism spending.
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Promoting Scotland's cultural heritage
Support for Highlands & Islands natural and cultural assets.
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Rural tourism support
Island projects first to be backed under new £6m fund.
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New Burns documents
Records shed light on the Bard’s politics and character.
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International visitors on the rise
20% more visitors from Europe choosing to come to Scotland.
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Bumper year for major events
European Championships among 2018 highlights.
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The spirit of St Andrew
Call to perform an act of kindness.
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Mountain biking on track
Support to ensure forest tourism continues to thrive.
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Scotland's youth take the lead in 2018
Year of Young People launched.
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International spend up
Rise in overseas visitors coming to Scotland.
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Rural tourism infrastructure fund
£6m to support popular sites around the country to grow and thrive.
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Rise in visitor numbers to historic sites
Historic Environment Scotland properties in Dumfries and Galloway see 41% rise
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Science funding
Funding for science festivals and interactive exhibition.
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The lure of ancient history
Rise in island visitor numbers.
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Tickets for 2018 European Championships go on sale
Champion swimmer Ross Murdoch named as ambassador.
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Surge in overseas visitors
Tourism boost strongly supported by visitors from North America.
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VisitScotland and TripAdvisor team up to put Scotland on world stage
A European-first collaboration between VisitScotland and TripAdvisor will see Scotland’s world-class tourism offering promoted to almost 70 million new potential visitors, generating a potential additional spend of £150 million.
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Investing in Scotland's tourism sector
FM welcomes announcement that Marriott International plans to open seven new hotels in Scotland.
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Scotland's special themed years unveiled
Tourism programme extended until 2022.
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Help for carers
Rise in inclusive tourism short breaks.
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Edinburgh icon set for makeover
Historic concert venue to be renovated.
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History sparks tourism rise
International visitors drawn by Scottish heritage.
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Economic benefit of The Open
£110 million benefit to Scotland from last year’s event at Royal Troon.
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European links under threat
Brexit impedes cultural and tourism opportunities.
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Tourist spend soars
Sharp rise in North American visitors.
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Pupils Scotland-wide to visit Arras
Battle of Arras and Dr Elsie Inglis confirmed as Scottish commemorations for 2017.
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£6.6 million for conservation of historic sites
Report sets out work required to restore and protect iconic buildings and monuments.
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Enhanced funding for Edinburgh's festivals
Extra £300k to commemorate 70th anniversary of capital’s founding festivals.
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Brexit funding threat
Tourism industry facing “damaging consequences”.
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Tourism industry body launched
Aim to grow bed and breakfast sector.
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Impact of brexit on cruise tourism
Summit discusses brexit impact on Scotland’s thriving cruise industry.