Highland 2007 received a further boost today with the announcement of additional funding for community groups and organisations in Moray, Orkney, Shetland, Argyll and the Islands and the Outer Hebrides.

At the core of Highland 2007, the year Scotland celebrates Highland culture, is the Community Programme.  The aim of this programme is to enable community groups and organisations to decide how Highland culture should be celebrated in their own area in 2007 and to encourage as many people as possible to take part throughout the Highlands and Islands.

Funding was allocated by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to provide the opportunity to extend the Community Programme throughout the Highlands and Islands, including the five local authority areas outwith the Highland Council boundary.  The local authorities in each of these areas have now confirmed their commitment to Highland 2007, creating additional funds worth £1.12 million to support a full programme of events across the HIE network area.

Alison Magee, Chair of Highland 2007, said: "We are delighted that the Highland 2007 Community Programme can now be rolled out across all these other areas giving everyone in the Highlands and Islands the opportunity to get involved in Highland 2007.

"Highlands and Islands Enterprise, as one of the main funders for Highland 2007, has been very proactive in ensuring all areas of the Highlands and Islands are included in this exciting year of celebrations.  The inclusion of these areas will certainly provide an enhanced Highland 2007 programme."

HIE chief executive Sandy Cumming said: "Culture, in its widest sense, is one of the Highlands and Islands' greatest assets, playing an important role in attracting residents and visitors and supporting community confidence across the area.  I am delighted that, through this funding, all parts of the Highlands and Islands will be offered the opportunity to play a full part in Highland 2007. 

"This event will be a major highlight of Scotland's cultural calendar next year and the distinctive identity of each of these areas will enrich the whole programme."

Alan Clouston, assistant director of Education and Recreation Services at Orkney Islands Council said: "This funding presents a great opportunity for Orkney and its local community organisations to be part of Highland 2007 and to celebrate the unique and special nature of Orcadian culture, past, present and future."

For further information please contact - Alan Clouston on 01856 873535 or Chessa Llewellyn-White at Orkney Enterprise on 01856 874638.

The total budget for Highland 2007 now exceeds £13 million.