Festivals bring in £6million for south of Scotland

Stranraer Oyster Festival Credit: ITV Border

The south of Scotland's economy got a £6million boost from a number of festivals and events held last year.

Dumfries and Galloway hosted a series of special occasions including the Galloway Hills Rally and the Stranraer Oyster Festival that attracted 14,000 visitors.

VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said:

Wigtown Book Festival Credit: ITV Border

The region is now in preparation for a year of cultural tourism including international arts festivals and sporting events.

It will kick off with Big Burns Supper festival which will take place on the 25 January.

Scottish singer-songwriter and musician KT Tunsell is set to headline.

KT Tunstall Credit: PA

This will be followed in the Spring by the grand opening of the new National Centre for Children’s Literature and Storytelling at Moat Brae House in Dumfries.