This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Viva Escocia in Barcelona
05/09/2003
Scottish Ministers are to lead a major trade and tourism
drive in Barcelona later this month.
Deputy First Minister Jim Wallace and Tourism Minister
Frank McAveety today announced details of the Executive's
'Scotland with Catalunya' programme between September 18
and 20.
It has been organised with the government of Catalunya,
the British Consulate General and the British Council in
Barcelona.
The three-day programme will showcase the best of
Scottish tourism, culture, fashion, architecture, and food
and drink.
VisitScotland's campaign to capitalise on the new direct
Barcelona Girona to Glasgow Prestwick air route will also
be highlighted.
'Scotland with Catalunya' will build on the Co-operation
Agreement between the Scottish Executive and the Catalan
government, which was signed in November last year.
The Deputy First Minister said that 'Scotland with
Catalunya' is a tremendous opportunity to enhance
Scotland's links with this autonomous community in North
East Spain, and maximise commercial opportunities for
Scottish companies.
He continued:
"We are determined to raise Scotland's profile and are
organising a number of events to promote tourism,
architecture, contemporary Scottish culture and quality
food and drink. Economic growth is a top priority for the
Executive and we will do all we can to help our companies
increase their trade.
"Scottish food and drink companies will be well
represented in our promotional activities to help them
identify new, and maximise existing opportunities, in the
Spanish food and drink markets. They have an opportunity to
demonstrate the range and quality of our food and drink,
which has an unrivalled international reputation.
"The work of contemporary Scottish architects is
renowned internationally. I am delighted that 'Scotland
with Catalunya' will see the unveiling of The Lighthouse's
international touring exhibition showcasing the best in
post devolution Scottish architecture.
"We will also use 'Scotland with Catalunya' to forge
stronger educational links with Catalan schools, colleges
and universities."
Mr McAveety said:
"Scotland attracts tourists for many reasons - our
magnificent scenery; world famous sporting attractions and
beautiful and vibrant cities. Our cultural and historical
richness has an enviable worldwide reputation.
"'Scotland with Catalunya' will highlight
VisitScotland's campaign to capitalise on the new direct
Prestwick-Girona air route - one of a growing number of low
cost direct access routes from key European markets.
"There has been a 37 per cent increase in tourists
visiting Scotland from mainland Europe in the first three
months of this year.
"It is also an opportunity to showcase Scotland's
burgeoning fashion industry and our talented young
designers. We will also celebrate our traditional culture,
its influence on contemporary Scotland, and its relevance
to the rest of the world. Cultural tourism has a central
role to play in promoting Scotland as a 'must visit'
destination."
The main events in the three-day programme include:
Thursday September 18
* Breakfast meeting with trade mission 'Meet the Buyer'
food & drink event organised by Scottish Development
International, and Food from Britain. Opportunities in
Spanish food market for Scottish food & drink
companies.
* Meeting between President Pujol and Deputy First
Minister to discuss the Co-operation Agreement between the
Scottish Executive and the Catalan government.
* Visit to Museum of Catalan History linked with the
donation of Scottish books for display at the museum.
* Deputy First Minister speech and business lunch with
the British Chamber of Commerce.=20
* Evening of Scottish Culture - including a performance
of Scottish dance & Fashion Catwalk - to be staged in
the prestigious Las Drassanes venue. Showcasing Scottish
food and drink and contemporary Scottish fashion design and
textiles, as well as to demonstrate our strengths in dance
and music.
Friday September 19
* Workshop on Teacher Exchange organised by Executive in
collaboration with the British Council in Scotland and
Barcelona, and Catalan Department of Education to
strengthen the Bilateral Agreement.
* Visit to 'Industrial Colonies' 80km north of
Barcelona. Opportunities to develop promoting industrial
tourism links with Scotland - Scottish workers employed in
local textile mills helped inspire workers housing
colonies.
* The unveiling of Landforms, a major international
touring show featuring recent work by some of Scotland's
most vibrant architectural practices. Created by The
Lighthouse, Scotland's national Centre for Architecture
Design and the City and designed by NORD, it will run at
Met.room in Barcelona until mid October before touring
Europe. The Deputy First Minister and the Scottish
Parliament's Presiding Officer are co-hosting the unveiling
of the architectural exhibition.
* An associated seminar in which Gordon Murray and
Malcolm Fraser will look at contemporary developments in
Scottish architecture within a broader politico-cultural
context.
Saturday September 20
* Opening of VisitScotland's 'Scottish Square' in
central Barcelona. VisitScotland's Scottish Square is the
venue for a public event attracting 20,000 people a day,
showcasing Scottish tourism, music, food, arts and crafts
which will be open from 10am-10pm daily.
* 'Tunes of Glory' parade down La Rambla of pipers and
drummers from Scotland and nine other countries. The parade
finishes at the Scottish Square.