Thurso and Wick events in Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 programme
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THE British and Scottish national surfing championships are to be held in Thurso early next year as part of a national celebration of the country's coasts, while later in 2020 the Northern Lights Festival will feature a large-scale outdoor light and arts festival celebrating Wick harbour and the Caithness coastline.
Scotland's culture, tourism and external affairs secretary, Fiona Hyslop, has unveiled a further 30 events for Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 2020.
From canal carnivals to coastal-inspired opera and art, from seaweed festivals and science events to endurance activities and coastal rowing voyages, the celebratory themed year will shine a spotlight on a wide-ranging programme.
Setting sail across spring 2020 (March to May), events supported through the round two Year of Coasts and Waters fund include the Thurso surfing competitions. In the autumn the Northern Lights Festival will focus on Wick harbour and the county's coastline.
Throughout the year there will be a wealth of coastal-related activities throughout Scotland, including a Taste of Orkney festival and the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival’s Portsoy Ahoy!
Debuting at Celtic Connections and touring until November will be Launch! On the Sea with Scotland’s Lifeboats, presented by Screen Argyll and A Kind of Seeing. This immersive live film performance takes inspiration from RNLI archives.
Ms Hyslop said: “We have an exciting year ahead celebrating Scotland’s wonderfully diverse coasts, canals, rivers and lochs. The Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 events programme is full of tours and exhibitions, great events, cultural performances, community activities and festivals, supported by over £770,000 of Scottish Government funding.
“Scotland’s themed years have been running since 2009 and we know they are a proven mechanism for us all to work together to create opportunities to diversify our tourism offer while promoting Scotland as a great place to visit for people from around the world.
Malcolm Roughead, chief executive of VisitScotland, said: “The incredible events receiving funding for the Year of Coasts and Waters are leading examples of how Scotland will shine in 2020. These celebrations will help to showcase the year and country across the globe.
“We are inviting the world to dive in to the amazing experiences our coasts and waters provide – from water-inspired myths and legends, historic harbours, rich rivers, captivating canals and sweeping coastlines to the very best in seafood, whisky, wildlife and wellness.
“Scotland’s enviable reputation for unspoiled beaches, vibrant natural and cultural heritage and thrill-seeking adventure activities will be celebrated through a packed year-long programme.”
As well as the events already confirmed for next year, VisitScotland expects that many more partner events celebrating the theme will be joining the programme over the forthcoming months.
Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 will begin on January 1 and run until December 31. For more information visitscotland.com/ycw2020
