Regional Culture & Tourism Investment Programme

The Culture & Tourism Investment Programme is a £37 million regional investment designed to strengthen the Tay Cities Region’s cultural and tourism economy, attract new visitors, support local businesses and create long‑term, inclusive growth.

Delivered through the Tay Cities Region Deal, the programme invests in world‑class cultural and tourism assets across Angus, Dundee, Fife and Perth & Kinross – helping the region compete nationally and internationally as a place to visit, live, work and invest.

What the Programme Delivers

The programme supports transformational capital investment in culture and tourism.

Funding is focused on projects that improve infrastructure, enhance visitor experiences and strengthen the regional business base.

Economic Impact

The programme is a major driver of regional economic growth. Across its portfolio of projects, it will:

Create and safeguard over 320 jobs across culture, tourism, construction and the wider supply chain.
Leverage more than £37 million in additional public and private investment.
Increase visitor numbers, overnight stays and visitor spend, extending benefits across the whole region.
Support local businesses and supply chains, including hospitality, creative industries, food & drink and services.
Reduce seasonality, helping businesses trade more sustainably all year round.
Contribute to low‑carbon, inclusive growth and place‑based regeneration.

By investing in high‑quality destinations, attractions and infrastructure, the programme helps visitors stay longer, spend more and explore more of the region – benefiting communities and businesses alike.

Core Programme Projects

Investment is supporting a set of flagship projects with proven economic and visitor impact, including:

Pitlochry Festival Theatre – A centre of excellence for performance, skills and cultural tourism.
Discovery Point Transformed (Dundee) – Revitalising one of Scotland’s most iconic maritime attractions.
Hospitalfield (Arbroath) – Growing an internationally significant arts and heritage destination.
HMS Unicorn: Project Safe Haven – Securing the future of one of the world’s oldest historic ships.
St Andrews Harbour Hub – Enhancing harbour facilities to support tourism, leisure and community use.
Arbroath Signal Tower Museum (Phase 2) – Improving visitor facilities and public spaces.

Together, these projects are strengthening regional cultural assets, supporting jobs and driving visitor spend.

Why It Matters

The Culture & Tourism Investment Programme is about more than individual projects. It is about:

Building a resilient, high‑value visitor economy.
Strengthening the region’s cultural identity and sense of place.
Supporting inclusive growth and quality jobs.
Attracting investment and talent.
Creating destinations people want to return to.

By investing in culture and tourism, the programme helps ensure long‑term economic benefits for communities, businesses and visitors across the Tay Cities Region.