How Will the Scottish Government Justify Spending £9.25 Million on the Tour de France Start?

The Scottish government has announced an investment of up to £9.25 million to support the hosting of the men's Tour de France 2027, following Edinburgh councillors' decision to allocate £1.7 million from the city's visitor levy for the opening stage. This investment is expected to enhance Scotland's reputation as an international events destination while generating significant economic benefits for the region.

Last updated: 30 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Scottish government has confirmed a substantial financial commitment to the 2027 men's Tour de France, which will commence in Edinburgh. This investment comes after a long history of Scotland attempting to host the prestigious cycling event, with the most recent effort being a near-miss in 2014 when Yorkshire was selected instead. The government aims to leverage this opportunity to boost tourism and local economies, promising a full breakdown of costs after the event concludes.

Key takeaways

The Scottish government is investing £9.25 million to host the Tour de France 2027.
Edinburgh has allocated £1.7 million from its visitor levy for the event.
Scotland has been pursuing the Tour de France Grand Départ for over 15 years.
The event is expected to attract more than 1.27 million spectators and generate £45.4 million in economic impact.
This will be the first year both men's and women's Tours will start in the same country outside France.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey towards hosting the Tour de France in Scotland has been a lengthy process:

2008: Scotland expresses interest in hosting the Tour de France.
2014: Edinburgh narrowly loses out to Yorkshire for the Grand Départ.
2023: The inaugural UCI Cycling World Championships takes place, boosting cycling's profile in Scotland.
January 2023: Official announcement made that Edinburgh will host the Tour de France 2027.
October 2023: Scottish government confirms £9.25 million investment for the event.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The recent confirmation of the £9.25 million investment is a significant development in the preparations for the 2027 Tour de France. This funding will not only cover the costs of hosting but also enhance cycling's profile in Scotland, with a focus on increasing participation in the sport.

What was already established

Scotland has long pursued the opportunity to host the Tour de France, showcasing its commitment to cycling through various large-scale events, including the recent UCI Cycling World Championships. The anticipated economic impact and spectator numbers have been highlighted in previous discussions about the event.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The hosting of the Tour de France is expected to provide a substantial boost to local businesses and the tourism sector in Edinburgh and beyond. With over 1.27 million spectators expected, local hotels, restaurants, and retailers could see a significant increase in revenue. Additionally, the event is likely to enhance the overall appeal of cycling as a leisure activity among the public.

Businesses and jobs

The financial injection from the Scottish government is anticipated to create jobs in event planning, hospitality, and transport. Local businesses are likely to benefit from the influx of tourists, and the event represents an opportunity for brands and sponsors to engage with a large audience. The government has also indicated that the funds will support improvements to cycling infrastructure, which could have lasting benefits for local employment in construction and related sectors.

Policy and regulation

As Scotland prepares for this major event, local and national governments will need to collaborate on safety and logistical arrangements. This includes traffic management, crowd control, and public safety measures to ensure a successful event. The government’s commitment to transparency with a full cost breakdown post-event is also a significant step in building trust with taxpayers.

Numbers that matter

£9.25 million: Total investment by the Scottish government for hosting the event.
1.27 million: Estimated spectators expected to attend the event.
£45.4 million: Anticipated economic impact for Edinburgh based on comparable events.
4.8 million: Crowds estimated for the three English stages during the 2014 Tour.
190 countries: The number of countries expected to broadcast the event.

Definitions and jargon buster

Grand Départ: The term used for the first stage of the Tour de France, marking the start of the race.
UCI: Union Cycliste Internationale, the world governing body for sports cycling and oversees international competitive cycling events.
Visitor levy: A tax applied to visitors staying in paid accommodation, intended to benefit local tourism infrastructure and services.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, stakeholders will focus on coordinating logistics and infrastructure improvements necessary for the event. This includes consultations with local businesses and residents to ensure minimal disruption and maximum benefit.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the event approaches, promotional activities and marketing campaigns will likely ramp up. Engaging potential spectators and tourists will be crucial in ensuring that the expected visitor numbers are met. Local cycling initiatives may also be introduced to encourage participation in the sport.

Signals to watch

Updates on infrastructure improvements related to cycling.
Official announcements regarding routes and event details.
Public engagement and ticketing information as the event date approaches.

Practical guidance

Do

Plan ahead for travel and accommodation if you intend to attend the event.
Engage with local cycling initiatives to join the excitement leading up to the event.
Stay informed about the event's developments through official channels.

Don’t

Don’t assume that the event will be solely for cycling enthusiasts; it aims to attract a broad audience.
Don’t overlook the potential for local businesses to offer unique experiences surrounding the event.
Don’t forget to consider public transport options to avoid congestion during the event.

Checklist

Check local event schedules and road closures ahead of time.
Research accommodation options early to ensure availability.
Look for local events or activities that coincide with the Tour de France.
Engage with local cycling clubs for potential group activities.
Prepare for weather conditions as the event date approaches.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the investment and planning for the Tour de France 2027 appear solid, uncertainties remain regarding the final costs and potential overruns. The Scottish government has pledged to cover any financial shortfalls, but the actual expenses will depend on various factors, including event logistics, security, and public safety requirements. Additionally, the impact of potential global events or local issues could affect attendance and tourism levels.

Bottom line

The decision to host the men's Tour de France 2027 in Edinburgh represents a significant opportunity for Scotland to enhance its global profile as a cycling destination. The anticipated economic benefits and increased cycling participation could have lasting positive effects on the region, making it crucial for stakeholders to prepare effectively for this major event.

FAQs

What is the Tour de France 2027?

The Tour de France 2027 is the 114th edition of the prestigious cycling race, which will start in Edinburgh, Scotland, and will feature both men's and women's events.

How much is being invested in the Tour de France 2027?

The Scottish government is investing up to £9.25 million to cover costs associated with hosting the event, ensuring its successful delivery and addressing any financial overruns.

What economic impact is expected from the event?

It is estimated that the Tour de France 2027 will attract over 1.27 million spectators and generate more than £45.4 million in economic benefits for Edinburgh.