Industry funding

At the end of last year, the Scottish Government announced that tourism and hospitality businesses across Scotland were to benefit from a £104.3 million Scottish Government package.

This funding will help a number of tourism and events businesses in key sectors who have received little or no support so far.

Tourism Secretary Fergus Ewing announced an additional £25 million of funding for VisitScotland schemes to support businesses through the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on 11 February 2021. 

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop has also announced an additional £8.5 million for the events sector that will be distributed through the Pivotal Events Businesses Fund and the Events Industry Support Fund 2 as well as targeted support.

VisitScotland will be administering 13 of the Scottish Government funds and will move our focus from marketing to funding and support for the next three months to ensure that desperately needed help is delivered quickly, to those most in need.

You can find out more at https://www.visitscotland.org/news/2021/industry-funding

Funds VisitScotland are delivering on behalf of Scottish Government

• Pivotal Event Businesses Fund – closed.
• The Sector Destination Operational & Market Readiness Fund – in progress, closed to applications.
• Marine and Outdoor Tourism Restart Fund, which has two strands: marine tourism and outdoor tourism – closed.
• Visitor Attractions Support Fund – applications open until 5pm on Thursday 18 February 2021. 
• Scotland Coach Operators – COVID-19 Business Support and Continuity Fund – guidance available, applications live from 16 February. 
• The Hostel – COVID-19 Business Support and Continuity Fund – guidance available, applications live from 17 February. 
• Event Industry Support Fund – late January for top-up payments / guidance available, applications live 18 February.
• Scotland Tour Operators: International Inbound Tour Operators Fund and Day Tour Operators Fund. Details to follow on VisitScotland.org.
• Tour Guides Fund. Details to follow on VisitScotland.org.
• Scottish Country Sports Tourism Restart Fund. Details to follow on VisitScotland.org.
• Campervan and Motorhome Rental Operators fund. Details to follow on VisitScotland.org.

Other notable funds:

 Scottish Wedding Industry Fund – https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/service/funding/scottish-wedding-industry-fund. No closing date – first come, first served

Large Self Catering Grant - https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/service/funding/large-self-catering-grant

Exclusive Use Grant - https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/service/funding/exclusive-use-grant

Support for B&Bs paying Council Tax - https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/service/funding/support-for-bed-and-breakfasts-paying-council-tax-grant