Scotland announce multimillion-pound tourism drive ahead of Commonwealth Games

A multimillion-pound plan to promote Scotland on the world stage before the Commonwealth Games has been announced.

The three-year programme is designed to show Scottish creativity to the world, increase international and domestic tourism and develop creative industries.

Hinged on the opportunities offered by next year's London Olympics and the 2014 Games in Glasgow, the cultural showcase will begin next year and continue into 2014.

Arts development agency Creative Scotland is spending 6.5 million of National Lottery cash on the programme which will include a series of "creative places awards", celebrating communities with a track record of organising rich cultural events.

Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop said: "Scotland is known across the globe for its rich culture and heritage and is increasingly recognised for its contemporary and creative cutting edge.

"In 2012 and 2014 the eyes of the world will be on the UK. These present wonderful opportunities, both large and small, to highlight Scotland's cultural and creative strengths on the international stage and across our communities.

"Through Creative Scotland's 6.5 million investment and the rich creative activity across our vibrant cultural sector, 2012 will act as a nationwide showcase for our cultural assets and outstanding new work.

It is the start of an exciting three-year cultural programme that will embrace London 2012 and celebrate Glasgow 2014."

Creative Scotland chief executive Andrew Dixon said: "The 6.5 million programme will present opportunities for the whole nation to get involved and it will also develop new partnerships between the cultural sector and the tourism and heritage sectors.

"Creative Scotland aims to reach every community across Scotland through the three-year programme."

Organisers also hope the three-year programme will encourage collaborative work between creative industries and the tourism sector.