The Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 has been launched at an event in China by Scotland’s minister for trade, investment and innovation, Ivan McKee.
VisitScotland hosted the event for Scotland’s next themed year in Beijing, where McKee outlined the activity planned for 2020.
The minister is in China, the world’s second largest economy, to promote trade and investment, educational and cultural links between China and Scotland. He is undertaking a series of business and government meetings, as well as cultural engagements, aimed at strengthening relationships between the two countries.
Visit Scotland said coasts and waters have shaped the country’s history, from fishing and textiles to whisky and wave power, and have influenced its culture way of life. In celebration, a year-long programme of events and activities will be held across Scotland, with VisitScotland encouraging Chinese visitors to explore these elements of Scotland’s landscape.
Events in 2020 include the Fife Regatta, an expanded Clydebuilt Festival, and Edinburgh International Film Festival will present Scotland's Shores, featuring classic film screenings and an outdoor coastal experience.
RSPB will celebrate DolphinFest 2020 off the coast of Aberdeen, while Scotland's Boat Show and Kip Marina will host a new event 'River of Light'. The National Theatre of Scotland will deliver new production, Ferry Tales.
“Our rich culture and history mean that Scotland has much to offer Chinese visitors and investors and I hope that many choose to visit our country in 2020 and beyond.”
