Mull of Kintyre Music Festival received an early Christmas present last week at Argyll & Bute Council's Strategic Policy Committee meeting in Kilmory when they were awarded £12,000 towards the running of their highly successful event in 2007.

As part of the celebrations, funding of £161,000 was approved with the local festival being one of sixteen major community led events and festivals receiving the funding as part of Highland 2007 - the year that Scotland celebrates Highland culture.

This funding has been provided by the Council in partnership with Argyll and the Islands Enterprise, each body administrating half of a £400,000 fund.

A total of £39,000 was already allocated by members in September and a further £200,000 will be spent on other specific events next year.

Cllr Robin Banks, the Council’s spokesperson for Development and Environment, said: “This funding heralds the beginning of what looks set to be a fantastic year and will enable people to feel extremely proud of their heritage.”

AIE’s Chief Executive, Ken Abernethy, agreed: “" The 2007 Year of Highland Culture will be an exciting year for Scotland generally, more importantly to us in Argyll it offers a special opportunity to share with the rest of the country the rich and varied culture which the West Highlands holds".

The Argyll programme of events will be launched on January 16th 2007 and will include over 20 major events and festivals across the region.

Highland 2007 was created by First Minister Jack McConnell three years ago and will herald the beginning of a year packed with cultural events which will showcase the unique nature of Highland culture.

Highland 2007, the year Scotland celebrates Highland culture, aims to promote the Highlands as a great place to live and to visit through showcasing the unique and special nature of Highland culture past, present and future.

Groups to benefit from grants are as follows:

• The Mull and Iona Community Trust received £8,232 for a Wild Isles event to take place. This will be a blend of hospitality, outdoor activities, heritage and environment on the two islands.

• The Cantilena Festival on Islay received £7,875 for two classic music festivals in spring and summer.

• The Mull of Kintyre Music and Arts Association received £12,000 for its annual ‘Cradle of the Nation’ music and arts festival.

• Tarbert Enterprise Company was awarded £7,500 for the Scottish Series.

• Kilmartin House Museum received £10,000 for a celebration of Argyll’s ancient past.

• The Isle of Bute Jazz Festival was awarded £9,000.

• The Highland and Islands Music and Dance Festival in Oban received £5,000.

• Imoairt Cholm Cille on Iona and Mull was awarded £30,000 for a festival of St Columba.

• Dalriada Arts and Culture Ltd received £6,000 for a community celebration of cultural heritage.

• The Royal Northern and Clyde Yacht Club received £7,500 for an international 8-metre centennial world championship from Helensburgh to Toward.

• Swamp Soccer UK Ltd received £6,000 for a team game of football played in muddy ground in Hunters Quay, Dunoon.

• Reforesting Scotland was granted £10,000 for holding various events in woodlands around Mid Argyll.

• Lochgoilhead Fiddle Workshop was given £8,820 to hold a festival of traditional music and dance.

• Islay Jazz Festival received £6,000.

• Tiree Wave Classic received £10,000 to hold a professional windsurfing competition and outdoor sports festival.

• Cowal Walking Festival was awarded £16,768 for a festival involving walking, other outdoor activities, music, film and art.