Agenda item

Consider report by Executive Director (copy attached).

With reference to paragraph 5 of the Executive Committee of 1 November 2016, there had been circulated copies of a report by the Executive Director presenting an update on the Council’s Events Plan 2014-2020.   The Council had successfully facilitated and supported the delivery of a wide range of regional, national and international events.  This coordinated and targeted approach to promoting events in the Scottish Borders has had a significant impact on the economy, generating an estimated economic impact of almost £6 million in 2017.  These events raised the profile and enhanced the reputation of the Scottish Borders and delivered social and community benefits.  The regional tourism strategy and action plan highlighted events as a key success factor in attracting more visitors to the area, and encouraging them to do more, spend more and return more often.  The updated Events Plan 2014-2020 set out in Appendices 1 and 2 of the report outlined the approach to prioritising event support activity and highlighted key achievements to date.

3.2       The Principal Officer Regeneration, Ms Julie Hogg, highlighted the main points:  Melrose Sevens continued to develop and innovative with a new Universities match which would be expanded in 2018; the success of the Tour of Britain and Tour of the Borders continued to build strength for cycling events; the Borders Book Festival continued to deliver a high profile event; and, the Scottish Borders Heritage Festival’s overall economic impact was £1,450,000 with almost 30% from outside the Borders.  In response to questions, Ms Hogg advised that with regard to Springwood Park events, the Council worked closely with events’ organisers and this would continue.  The Executive Director, Mr Dickson, added that the Border Union Agricultural Society had met with Scottish Enterprise representatives to explore longer term opportunities.  Members noted that the organisers of the Jim Clark Rally were trying to re-establish the event, but there were a number of challenges to be addressed before this could happen.  With regard to the funding of private sector, profit making events, Mr McGrath explained that such events came within the Events Strategy, raised the profile of the Scottish Borders and encouraged return visits.  Further, the Chief Executive confirmed that defined outcomes were required for any public funding, with events also delivering a range of benefits; for example, the 2017 Borders Book Festival had given educational sessions which supported the school curriculum.  The Council worked with VisitScotland to support new events and encouraged existing events to develop and grow.  With regard to visitor accommodation, Ms Hogg advised that officers consistently worked with event organisers to address this issue.  Mr Dickson added that there had to be a balance between existing and temporary accommodation and that the Council should explore market demand, occupancy rates and visitors expectations in terms of visitor accommodation. 

DECISION

(a)        NOTED the achievements and progress made in relation to the Scottish Borders Council Events Plan 2014 – 2020.

(b)       AGREED to continue to support the events sector to maximise economic impact and legacy through delivery of the Scottish Borders Council Events Plan 2014-2020.