Attracting Major Global Events

Scotland on the World Stage

The SNP in government has consolidated Scotland’s position as a very attractive place to host major global events.

These have ranged from international sporting tournaments such as the Commonwealth Games, the Ryder Cup, the Solheim Cup, the UCI Cycling World Championships, and UEFA European Championships, to COP26 - the international meeting of world leaders on climate issues - and the DICE Europe gaming industry summit. Last year also brought the unique Tall Ships races event to Aberdeen, which brought visitors in great numbers and providing a real boost to the economy of the North East.

Where the Commonwealth Games are concerned, this summer will see Glasgow host the event for the second time in 12 years with a projected £150 million economic benefit - following the incredible success of the 2014 Games in Scotland's largest city, which also famously hosts the annual World Pipe Band Championships.

The Open, AIG Women's Open, and Genesis Scottish Open are regular fixtures, entrenching Scotland's status as the home of golf and showcasing our own beautiful part of the country from Carnoustie Links. Last year's Island Games in Orkney was the largest event ever hosted there, generating £4 million for the local economy there, and in another sporting win for Scotland we will also be co-hosting the opening stages of the prestigious Tour de France cycling race in 2027.

These events have all left their legacies in terms of economic benefit and lasting infrastructure and investment.

Moreover, Host City 2025, the premier international conference for creators and owners of global sports, business, and cultural events, also returned to Glasgow last December. So not only is Scotland attracting such events, it is proving an attractive destination for the organisers of such events to share their expertise.

This is not to mention Scotland's own globally renowned cultural events, in particular the Edinburgh festivals which SNP Scottish Governments have continued to support, that draw so many international visitors to our country each year.

The SNP will always strive to maintain Scotland's status as a magnet for global gatherings - be they sporting, cultural, business or political and scientific in nature. It is committed to supporting world-class events which raise Scotland’s profile as the perfect stage and showcase our country's assets.