HOMECOMING 2009 PROGRAMME UNVEILED

Homecoming 2009

16/06/2008

First Minister Alex Salmond called today for all Scots to invite Scotland's international friends and family to join the year of Homecoming 2009.

Unveiling the nationwide programme for 2009 of over 100 new and enhanced events, designed to celebrate Scotland's first ever year of Homecoming, the First Minister launched an e-card to help all Scots spread the word.

Inspired by the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns, Homecoming 2009 will be a celebration of the great contributions Scotland has made to the world. It's also a chance for Scots around the world to reconnect and engage with their heritage.

The programme of events has been organised around five main themes - the Bard himself, Whisky, Golf, Great Scottish Minds and Innovations and Scotland's culture and heritage. Highlights include:

• A Burns 250th anniversary weekend, including a campaign to create the world's biggest virtual Burns Supper celebration
• A Homecoming theme for Aberdeen's Word 09 literary festival
• An exhibition of contemporary art inspired by Burns, to be held in Glasgow's Mitchell Library, featuring works by John Byrne, Tracy Emin, Graham Fagen and David Mach
• A celebration of the Caledonian Canal, with a flotilla travelling the length of the canal from Fort William to Inverness
• The Open's return to Turnberry
• The first ever Whisky Galore festival, to be held on Barra
• One of the largest clan gatherings in history, to be held in Edinburgh

Mr Salmond said:

"With so many exciting events taking place across the country, 2009 will be a fantastic year to invite people around the world, with either an ancestral link or affinity for Scotland, to come home.

"Already we are seeing success, with Forbes Magazine today announcing plans to return to Scotland for the first time in nearly 100 years to host their annual European CEO Forum. This will be an influential business conference and an opportunity to show global business leaders that Scotland is a dynamic nation, with an exciting future.

"I want to urge everyone in Scotland to play their part in what will be the biggest ever celebration of Scotland's achievements and culture, and our ties of family and friendship around the world.

"Whether by using your guid Scotch tongue, writing, or sending an e-card - I hope everyone across Scotland will join the call."

Homecoming 2009 website

Scotland's Homecoming celebrations will run from Burns Night (January 25) to St Andrew's Day (November 30) 2009 across more than 50 locations.

The Homecoming budget is £5 million over the next two years. Event Scotland plan to double it to £10 million through contributions from other sources.