News Release

For immediate releases                                                 September 27, 2000

ST. ANNS, N.S. -- For the past 62 years, the Gaelic College of Celtic Arts and Crafts has been helping to preserve and promote the Celtic traditions and Scottish Highlands connections which contribute so much character to Cape Breton Island's tourism industry. The Government of Canada recognizes the important role this institution plays and, through Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation, has offered support over the years for projects which have enhanced the College.

The most recent projects include a three year marketing program which will allow it to take advantage of the large and growing meetings and conventions market as well as the touring market. It will also undertake improvements to its facilities that will enhance the appearance of the College, as well as improve the amenities offered to visitors.

The Gaelic College's marketing efforts for meetings and conventions will include attracting small and medium-sized businesses looking for a low-cost, relaxed meeting facility. With its varied facilities it is able to offer these travellers the opportunity to combine business and pleasure. Marketing activities will include new packaging and labelling, promotional materials, advertising, demonstrations and attendance at trade shows and fairs.

The total estimated cost of the marketing project is $395,000. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation will make a non-repayable contribution of $197,500 through the Business Development Program. The total estimated cost of the facilities improvement project is $81,000 and ECBC will make a non-repayable contribution of $40,500 through the Business Development Program.

"The Government of Canada recognizes that Cape Breton Island's tourism industry and its infrastructure need partnership projects like these to grow. The Gaelic College is a unique institution providing a variety of services and facilities to visitors and Island residents. These projects will help the College to serve its growing clientele,” said the Honourable Bernie Boudreau, Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister responsible for Nova Scotia, on behalf of the Honourable George Baker, Secretary of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation.

"It is only through developing new markets and improving our physical facilities that the College will be able to continue playing its important role in the culture and tourism sectors. This year over six hundred students attended the College and every year between 12,000 and 16,000 visitors tour the Great Hall of Clans and our other facilities. Ongoing support from the Government of Canada is appreciated and is viewed as a recognition of our contribution to the culture and tourism sectors and to this community," said Sam MacPhee, Executive Director, Gaelic College of Celtic Arts and Crafts.

Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation offers programs in support of economic development initiatives and is responsible for delivering ACOA's programs on Cape Breton Island and in the Mulgrave area.

For Further Information Contact:

Marcie Stanley
ECBC Communications
Tel: (902) 564-7876
Fax:(902) 564-3825
E-mail: mstanley@ecbc.ca

Sam MacPhee
Executive Director
Gaelic College of Celtic Arts and Crafts
Tel: (902) 295-3411
Fax: (902) 295-2912