International Events Funding Programme

2 minute read • Last published: 25 February 2025

The International Events Funding Programme supports events which drive international tourism and media profile for Scotland. These events can take place anywhere in Scotland so long as they are targeting visitors from outside Scotland and across the world.

Find further information on the fund, what makes an event eligible for consideration and the enquiry/application process.

About the International Events Funding Programme

EventScotland

The International Events Programme is one of EventScotland’s core funding programmes and is open for applications all year round.

Our EventScotland team fund major, world-class events through this programme of investment.

Internationally significant events like this raise Scotland’s profile as the perfect stage. These events also showcase Scotland’s key event and tourism assets:

our people
our cultural identity and heritage
our natural environment
our built facilities
our signature events
our academic and sectoral credentials

EventScotland supports events though this programme by:

working on bids with local authorities, event organisers and sports governing bodies to secure major international events for Scotland
delivering a portfolio of events working with organisers of annual events which deliver impact for Scotland
actively looking for new events to bring to Scotland for the first time

Please contact EventScotland directly if you would like to discuss any opportunities further.

Email EventScotland.

How to apply

Read Scotland’s National Events Strategy, Scotland The Perfect Stage
Carefully consider the vision, mission and outcomes laid out in Scotland’s National Events Strategy 2024 to 2035 and consider how your event contributes to those.
Download Scotland’s National Events Strategy.
Contact the EventScotland team
Please get in touch with us to discuss your proposal. EventScotland will be available throughout the application process for advice and guidance.
Email EventScotland.
Make a funding enquiry
Potential applicants must submit a funding enquiry before submitting a funding application. A member of the EventScotland team will share further details on the application process after review of an enquiry.
After you have discussed your proposal with EventScotland, you can potentially move onto submitting an application.
Submit a funding enquiry.
Submit your application
Once EventScotland has reviewed your enquiry and confirmed that your event is eligible to apply for funding, applicants will be sent a link and further details on how to apply online.
Applicants should aim to submit enquiries as early as possible and no later than six months before the event to allow them to complete the online application process.
Please note that there is no guarantee of funding after completion of the application process. Outcomes will be shared with applicants in due course.

Previous events

EventScotland has supported a number of high profile events through the International Funding Programme.

The tall ship LOA taking part in the Tall Ships Races
© Sail Training International

This includes one-off and bid for events such as:

Sprint World Orienteering Championships 2024
World Athletics Indoor Championships 2024
BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend 2023
Tall Ships Races Shetland 2023
Billie Jean King Cup 2022
Davis Cup 2022
European Athletics Indoor Championships 2019
World Wheelchair Curling Championship 2019

It also includes a number of high profile annual and recurring events on Scotland’s calendar:

Edinburgh’s Festivals
Royal National Mòd
Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival
Tour of Britain
Wigtown Book Festival
World Pipe Band Championships

Other funding routes

Visit the National Events Funding Programme page for more information on EventScotland’s other core fund. This fund applies to events which drive domestic tourism and take place in Scotland outwith the local authority areas of Edinburgh and Glasgow.

As well as EventScotland, there are other potential public funding opportunities for events in Scotland.

Find out more about events funding opportunities.

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