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Policy

Tourism and events

From
Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, +1 more … Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic
Directorate
Culture and External Affairs Directorate, +1 more … Business and Better Regulation Directorate
Topic
Arts, culture and sport, Business, industry and innovation, Economy, +1 more … International
Policy actions  2 of 3

Major events

Scotland has a global reputation for hosting world-class major events. These play a vital role in Scottish tourism by attracting people to Scotland and enhancing the country's international profile.

 We aim to support a programme of major events that deliver economic, social and cultural benefits to Scotland. Furthering a number of national outcomes and aligning with the aims set out in Scotland's national events strategy (May 2024).

We are also responsible for planning and delivering a portfolio of major international events, as well as ensuring a strategic approach to bidding for these events – whether leading or supporting the bid.

Forthcoming events

In 2026:

In 2027:

  • Tour de France Grand Départ
  • The Open
  • Genesis Scottish Open
  • ISPA Handa Women’s Scottish Open

In 2028:

  • UEFA EURO 2028
  • Genesis Scottish Open
  • ISPA Handa Women’s Scottish Open

Major events delivered in the past

In 2025:

  • 2025 Orkney Island Games
  • Tall Ships Race
  • Genesis Scottish Open
  • ISP Handa Women’s Scottish Open

In 2024:

  • The Open
  • The AIG Women’s Open
  • Genesis Scottish Open
  • ISPA Handa Women’s Scottish Open
  • The Seniors Open
  • World Athletics Indoor Championships
  • World Orienteering Championships

In 2023:

  • UCI Cycling World Championships
  • Genesis Scottish Open
  • FreeD Group Women's Scottish Open

In 2022: 

  • 150th Open Championship at St Andrews
  • Genesis Scottish Open
  • Trust Golf Women's Scottish Open
  • The AIG Women's Open
  • The Seniors Open
  • World Cup Lead and Speed Climbing Championships

In 2021:

  • UEFA Euro 2020
  • The AIG Women’s Open
  • Abrdn Scottish Open
  • Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open

In 2020:

  • The AIG Women’s Open
  • Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open
  • Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open

In 2019:

  • Solheim Cup
  • Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open
  • Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open
  • European Short Course Swimming Championships
  • Mixed World Wheelchair Curling Championships
  • European Indoor Athletics Championships

In 2018:

  • European Championships
  • The Open
  • The Seniors Open
  • Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open
  • Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open

Themed Years

We also previously ran a Themed Years programme which started with Homecoming Scotland in 2009 and ran until 2022. These were year-long celebrations around a specific theme. These themes were:

  • Year of Stories 2022
  • Year of Coasts and Waters 2020/21
  • Year of young People 2018
  • Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology 2017
  • Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design 2016
  • Year of Food and Drink 2015
  • Year of Homecoming Scotland 2014
  • Year of Natural Scotland 2013
  • Year of Creative Scotland 2012
  • Year of Active Scotland 2011
  • Year of Food and Drink 2010
  • Year of Homecoming Scotland 2009

There are currently no plans for future Themed Years. Further information and resources about previous Themed Years are available at Scotland's Themed Years | VisitScotland.org.

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