Tartan Day Helps to Promote Angus Opportunities

Issued: 13 April 2011

Business and golf were at the centre of Angus Council's 2011 Tartan Day activities.

While dozens of community run events brought tartan week celebrations into Angus burghs last week the council was focused on Tartan Day's business opportunities.

Commenting on the past week's events Angus Council leader Bob Myles said: "The council is leading Tartan Day in Scotland to raise awareness of Angus, strengthen our business profile and attract visitors and the good news is it's working."

Councillor Myles said the week had offered many opportunities for business development. "The business events this year targeted the renewable energy sector alongside tourism and opportunities for Scottish brand development.

"Some very exciting connections were made – from identifying potential tourism investors to the development of a new range of children's wear for the overseas market, using tartan from Angus.

"These Tartan Day events are clearly valued by the business sector with international players like GSK and Seagreen investing their time and money."

International golf tourism, and the potential it offers for business spin-offs, was a key Tartan Day target for Angus Council.

"Our Carnoustie Country golf strategy is about making this area the destination of choice for leisure golfers and the international Tartan Day golf tournament is a key part of that," commented councillor Myles.

"This year over 60 golfers from China, South Africa, Taiwan, Australia and the UK took part during tartan week, with 13 non-golfing partners enjoying the many other attractions of the area. This influx of visitors was great news for on-course pro shops and local golf and gift shops, not to mention an Angus dress hire company, as our international visitors were keen to be properly kitted out during their week's stay - whether in the latest golf gear or the kilt!"

Longer term economic benefits from Tartan Day were now also evident, said councillor Myles: "One of last year's participants in the Tartan Day tournament was so impressed by his experience he has set up a golf tour company and later this year he is bringing groups of leisure golfers to Angus to play Carnoustie Country golf.

"This is exactly what we're aiming for; more visitors and more money into the area throughout the year."