Opportunities for culture and tourism investment are set to open across the Tay Cities Region, with the launch of a new £10 million fund.
The Scottish Government-funded Culture & Tourism Investment Programme (CTIP) Challenge Fund will offer capital grants between £750,000 and £2m to support projects that can strengthen the region’s visitor economy, drive economic growth and enhance cultural infrastructure.
Cllr George Meechan, Chair of the Tay Cities Joint Committee, said: “The CTIP Challenge Fund represents the next phase in the delivery of the Tay Cities Region Deal’s £37m investment in culture and tourism.
“It will create a clear route for well-developed projects to come forward and gain access significant investment.”
The Challenge Fund will support projects aligned with the ambition of making the Tay Cities Region a world-class place to live, work and visit through culture and tourism-led regeneration.
Funding will focus on projects that deliver high-quality visitor experiences, enhance cultural, heritage and tourism assets and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
Projects must demonstrate clear regional impact and collaboration, supporting priorities including improved infrastructure, increased visitor numbers and spend, as well as job creation.
Applicants must have access to match funding of at least 50% of total project costs and show that their project is at an appropriate stage to move forward.
To apply in the first instance, an Expression of Interest (EOI) form must be completed. The form is available by emailing cultureandtourism@taycities.co.uk.
The CTIP Challenge Fund opened on 22 June, and expressions of interest must be received by July 17.
Projects that are successful at EOI stage will be invited to submit a proportionate business case as part of the full application process, with final decisions on funding being made in Spring next year.
About the Tay Cities Region Deal:
The Tay Cities Region Deal is a partnership between local, Scottish and UK governments and the private, academic, and voluntary sectors which seeks to create a smarter and fairer Angus, Dundee, Fife, and Perth & Kinross under the headings Inclusive Tay; Innovative Tay; International Tay; Connected Tay and An Empowered Tay.
The Scottish Government and UK Government will each invest up to £150 million in the Tay Cities Region Deal over 10 years, subject to final approval of robust business cases.
As of 30 September 2025, over £232 million of Government has been approved by Governments and the Partnership for investment and over 5,300 jobs have been created. This central investment from both Governments has the potential to lever in £400 million of investment over 15 years, of which more than £258 million has already been secured by Projects.
Full and further information on the progress the Deal has made to date on securing investment and jobs, can be found within the Annual Performance Report located on the Tay Cities Region Deal website - https://www.taycities.co.uk/publications.
