Folk festival receives £7,150 funding boost

Shetland Folk Festival has received £7,150 as part of the Year of Creative Scotland’s One Step Further investment programme.

The programme aims to enhance festivals and events during 2012, with a focus on cultural tourism. The folk festival received a share from a pot of over £300,000 to help attract more visitors to Scotland during 2012.

The award-winning festival, which features some of the best folk music from around the globe, was given the money to put together a programme of high-profile acts for this year’s event and attract even more visitors.

Festival director Mhari Pottinger said: “It’s a fantastic boost to our festival to receive Creative Scotland investment and to be part of the Year of Creative Scotland in 2012. We are extremely proud of our 100 per cent voluntary-run event and are always looking for ways to enhance our offering to locals and visitors alike.

“We have already noted an increase in visitor numbers in recent years and this investment will potentially help us grow it further, bringing associated social, cultural and economic benefits to our local community.”

VisitScotland island manager Steve Mathieson said: “Scotland is unquestionably one of the most creative countries in the world and these festivals will help showcase that vibrant creativity to new audiences.

“Here in Shetland our culture is one of our greatest assets and a major draw for visitors. That’s why this programme is so important – it’s providing opportunities for visitors as well as local communities right across Scotland.”