EDINBURGH, Scotland, Dec. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Scotland has encouraged imagination, motivated invention and inspired creation for generations. In 2012, Scotland will celebrate its cultural and creative vibrancy with the Year of Creative Scotland.
A celebration of Scotland's creative assets and contribution to the world will be held throughout the year, making 2012 the ideal time to experience fantastic events and festivals, discover Scotland's inspirational natural and built landscapes, world renowned art, architecture and design, distinguished literature, contemporary music and unique arts and crafts.
Reinforcing the year of cultural celebrations, Scotland's cities offer vibrant, festival experiences against beautiful, UNESCO World Heritage backdrops; Edinburgh for literature and Glasgow for music. Add to that a rich variety of museums, galleries, artisan shopping experiences and a thriving culinary scene and any visitor seeking the buzz of a city vacation will be spoilt for choice.
In 2011, alone, Scotland has opened the doors to five spectacular cultural attractions -- the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway, The Royal Palace at Stirling Castle, the Riverside Museum in Glasgow and Edinburgh’s newly transformed National Museum of Scotland and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
For those looking to explore further afield, Scotland offers creative activities and events all around the country. The beautiful Isle of Harris, where the local textile, Harris Tweed has been woven for centuries, has even captured the imagination of fashion giants Vivienne Westwood and Nike.
Launching the Year of Creative Scotland 2012, Scottish First Minister, Alex Salmond, said,
"Scotland is a dynamic and creative nation, rich in heritage with a wealth of world-class cultural events that draw visitors from across the globe, year round. The Year of Creative Scotland is a chance to spotlight and celebrate Scotland's cultural and creative strengths on the world stage.
"There will be an exciting and imaginative programme of special events taking place throughout 2012, covering everything from music, drama and dance, to art, textiles and literature, all designed to appeal to young and old alike. This, coupled with our already vibrant cultural calendar filled with world renowned festivals and top visitor attractions - like Edinburgh Castle or the newly transformed Royal Palace at Stirling Palace and the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh - will offer something for all visitors to enjoy, year round."
"Earlier this month, I was delighted to visit China once more and sign an agreement to deepen the cultural links between our two countries. The very best of Scottish culture will be on show during the Year of Creative Scotland, and I can guarantee our Chinese visitors the very warmest of welcomes."
Start planning your Scotland vacation as Scotland celebrates the Year of Creative Scotland : www.visitscotland.com/creative
Notes to Editors
HIGHLIGHT EVENTS
January 19th - February 5th
Celtic Connections is Europe's largest winter festival taking place in Glasgow, and attracting thousands of musicians from across the world for 18 days of concerts, ceilidhs, talks, art exhibitions, workshops, and free events.
April 20th - May 7th
World-renowned contemporary art is displayed in artists' studios, major museums and across the city at the acclaimed Glasgow International Festival of Visual Art.
July 29th
Join internationally acclaimed conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the highly renowned Simo Boliar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela for a Midsummer' Night performance against the backdrop of Stirling Castle.
www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk/bignoise
August 9th - September 1st
In 2012 the iconic landmark of Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh will be transformed through an innovative combination of sporting endeavor and visual art as part of the Speed of Light project. Taking place during the Edinburgh International Festival, walkers and runners will animate the hillside with trails of patterned light. Get involved and experience for yourself the excitement, testing your physical endurance at the same time.
