People living in Moray will have the opportunity to take a full and active part in Highland 2007, the year Scotland celebrates Highland culture, thanks to funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise, HIE Moray and The Moray Council.

Announced by the First Minister in March 2003, Highland 2007 will celebrate Highland culture across Scotland through the delivery of an exciting programme of events.

Highland 2007 aims to create social and economic benefits by celebrating the area's culture - past, present and future - through events that focus on arts, environment, heritage, language, science and sport. Highland 2007 will raise the profile of the area as a dynamic and creative place to live and visit.

The Community Programme offers local community groups and organisations access to funds in support of projects and ideas that will contribute to the Highland 2007 programme in Moray. If you have an arts or heritage project, a sports event, an idea for an environmental programme or a celebration of language or a scientific extravaganza, Highland 2007 in Moray would like to hear about it.

In addition to the Community Programme, there could also be support for high profile events that will have a major impact across Moray and the potential to attract visitors to the area.

Highland 2007 in Moray will be launched at a public presentation on Thursday 20th April, at 7.00pm, in the Supper Room of Elgin Town Hall. The evening will be an opportunity to hear more about Highland 2007 and the funding process.  It is also an opportunity to discuss potential ideas and projects. Community Programme funding application forms will be available on the night and are currently available on www.highland2007.com

All are welcome to attend the meeting and no booking is required.

Fiona Hampton, director of Highland 2007, said: "We are really pleased that this Programme has been set up, allowing the people across the area to get involved in the Highland 2007 celebrations.

"Highlands and Islands Enterprise, HIE Moray and the Moray Council have been very supportive of Highland 2007 and we look forward to working with groups and organisations in Moray to showcase many excellent events in the area throughout 2007."

James Gibbs, chief executive of HIE Moray said:  "Culture 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 and the support from our partners, the Moray Council and Highland 2007, Moray will have the opportunity to play a full part in Highland 2007."

For further information contact Nick Fearne, Arts Development Officer, Moray Council, 01343 557148 nick.fearne@moray.gov.uk or Roger Edwards, Senior Development Manager, HIE Moray, 01309 696012 roger.edwards@hient.co.uk