THE BIRTHPLACE of Scotland is leading a bid to grab a slice of the nation’s ancestral tourism market.

Angus controversially adopted the birthplace tag last year, and Angus Council is now joining forces with its Dundee neighbour and the private sector to capture the interest of hundreds of thousands of people looking to trace their Scottish roots.

Almost £100,000 is to be pumped into the geneaology project over two years in an effort to create a “single door” for those seeking to dig into their family roots.

“Ancestral tourism is one of the key niche markets in Scotland with a national strategy and commitment to exploit the increasing interest in ancestral visits from expatriate Scots worldwide,” said council chief executive David Sawers.

“This initiative in Angus and Dundee seeks to ensure that a share of that market is attracted to the area by focusing on product development and improving the visitor experience.”

He added, “Following an initial meeting in January of officers with an interest in ancestral tourism from both Angus and Dundee councils and other organisations, it became apparent that there is an enthusiasm and the will to collaborate in taking this initiative forward.”

There was also a successful bid for £51,500 in funding from the tourism partnership for Angus and Dundee, he said.

Mr Sawers continued, “The initiative seeks to exploit the increasing global interest in geneaology and ancestral visits.”

The aim, he said, is a product allowing visitors to access more local information, see what their ancestors saw and connect to local people and their Scottish identity.

Other aims described by Mr Sawers included “a total visitor experience” through a “roots festival” showcasing the cultural, heritage, entertainment and social highlights of the area.

Councillors have approved the hiring of a specialist consultant after agreeing to dispense with normal tendering arrangements to have the scheme on track quickly.

“The consultant was previously appointed by Scottish Enterprise National in conjunction with VisitScotland and Highlands and Islands Enterprise as national project manager for ancestral tourism,” Mr Sawers said.

“However, current SEN funding difficulties have resulted in withdrawal/reduction of support for this post.”

The Angus cash commitment will be £7000 in 2006/08.

Officials hope to launch the project at the 2007 Open golf championship in Carnoustie, which will see a further £2000 contribution from the council’s economic development budget.

In-kind support of an estimated £11,000 per year is also included in the Angus estimates.

The effort, if successful, could deliver a major tourism and economic boost to the area from a portion of the 50 million people who can claim Scottish ancestry.

Ancestral tourists make 200,000 trips to Scotland every year.