'Clan' tourism generated £390,000 for Scotland in 2015 Published duration 13 March 2016

image caption Clan tourism added nearly £400,000 to the Scottish economy last year

'Clan' tourism generated nearly £400,000 for Scotland's economy in 2015.

More than 7,000 visitors attended events such as battle re-enactments.

Tourists from 18 different countries exploring their heritage brought in a net total of £390,000 last year.

Clan chief Alexander Leslie, vice-convener of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs, said there had been a renewed level of interest over the last 18 months.

About 50 million people globally claim to have Scottish ancestry.

Mr Leslie, vice-convener of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs, said many "overseas Scots" were visiting each year.

He said: "The clan network and clan societies bring a lot of overseas Scots to Scotland every year and within the last year or 18 months there's also been a renewed level of interest in Scotland itself in which clan people belong to, which is very encouraging to see.

image caption BBC TV series Monarch of the Glen caught the imagination of audiences across the globe when it aired between 2000 and 2005. Still: BBC archives

"We work hard with the Scottish Government on this issue and see it a win-win situation that Scotland as a whole, Scotland as a brand and Scotland as a destination will benefit."

The Scottish Clan Event Fund, administered by EventScotland, gives clans and clan societies up to £5,000 for gatherings, battle re-enactments and other associated heritage events.

The Scottish Government allocated £23,000 to the fund in 2015/16 and has announced up to £70,000 will be available in 2016/17.

image copyright BBC/Richard Sowersby image caption Eilean Donan castle in Kyle of Lochalsh: MSP Fergus Ewing said the market for ancestral tourism was "considerable".

There will be six supported events taking place across Scotland in 2016.

Tourism minister Fergus Ewing said: "The market for ancestral tourism in Scotland is considerable and creates opportunities for communities to benefit.