Highland 2007
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Highland 2007 was a year-long celebration of the culture of the Scottish Highlands which took place throughout 2007. It involved local communities throughout the Highlands and Islands as well as people across Scotland, the UK and beyond.
The concept of 2007 as 'Scotland's Year of Highland Culture' was suggested by then First Minister of the Scottish Parliament, Jack McConnell. During the Convention of the Highlands and Islands in 2003, he declared that he was so impressed by the momentum built up by the failed Inverness/Highlands bid to be European Capital of Culture 2008, that he would back a celebration of Highland culture in 2007.
Its proponents had claimed that Highland 2007 would bring significant economic and social benefits which would endure well beyond the celebrations themselves. However, an evaluation report stated that there were "Criticisms from some promoters about aspects of the funding process and from within the Gaelic community about its failure to capitalise more on the opportunities on offer."[1]
The Inverness Museum and Art Gallery was re-designed in time for Highland 2007, opening after six months of closure to allow a £1.3m makeover.[2]
