Rt Hon Alex Salmond, MSP, First Minister of Scotland today (Monday 16 June), launched the country's first ever Homecoming year, at Edinburgh Castle.

Inspired by the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scotland's national poet, the international cultural icon, Robert Burns, Homecoming Scotland 2009 will encourage people of Scottish descent, Scots, and those who love Scotland to come home in 2009 and take part in an inspirational celebration of our culture, heritage and some of the many great contributions Scotland has given the world.

From Burns Night (Jan 25) to St Andrew's Day (Nov 30) 2009, a country wide programme of Homecoming events and activities has been designed to celebrate some of Scotland's great contributions to the world: Burns himself, Whisky, Golf, Great Scottish Minds and Innovations and Scotland's culture and heritage which lives on at home and through Scotland's global family.

Organisations all over the country ranging from community groups, to public and private bodies are planning new and enhanced Homecoming activity and invite both Scots and those with a passion for Scotland to join the celebrations. From the Shetland Isles in the north to Selkirk in the south; Barra in the west to Aberdeen in the east, a packed calendar of over 100 events is already in place with many more activities being developed in the run up to 2009.

Speaking at the launch the Rt Hon Alex Salmond, MSP, First Minister of Scotland said: "Next year is the 250th anniversary of the birth of our national poet and cultural icon Robert Burns and a chance to celebrate Scotland's contribution to the world.

"The exciting programme of events unveiled today demonstrates the richness of our culture and heritage, with events ranging from the biggest clan gathering for 200 years to an exhibition of contemporary art, inspired by Robert Burns, which includes contributions from John Byrne and Tracy Emin."
The First Minister urged Scots to embrace the year and get involved by encouraging friends, family and colleagues from around the world to come and join the celebrations:

"With so many inspiring and exceptional activities to choose from the programme promises to give everyone a reason to come home. It is an invitation to connect with Scotland's past and future, on a scale never seen before. Now we all need to make sure that Scots at home and abroad get the message."

Homecoming Scotland 2009 is a Scottish Government initiative being delivered by EventScotland in partnership with VisitScotland.

Paul Bush, Chief Operating Officer, EventScotland said: "As Scotland's national events agency, EventScotland is ideally placed to manage the delivery of Homecoming Scotland in 2009.

"EventScotland has already created a portfolio of world class events, ensuring Scotland capitalises on the growing trend of event tourism, and Homecoming is an extension of this work. We have worked with our public sector and event industry partners to create a tailored programme of events and festivals to inspire Scots worldwide to come home in 2009.

"The result of this enthusiasm is that 2009 will be a very exciting year, and will bring Scots, people with Scots ancestry, and those who simply love Scotland 'home' for this landmark year."

Commenting on the worldwide marketing of Homecoming, VisitScotland's Chairman Peter Lederer said: "We have already seen a great deal of interest in Homecoming 2009 from our key tourism markets and the fantastic range of events announced today is sure to be very popular with visitors. VisitScotland has been promoting Homecoming extensively, with Scotland in Toronto, New York's Scotland Week and a travel trade event in Australia just some examples of our recent activity. We will build on this success with a programme of marketing and PR which will promote Homecoming Scotland 2009 to potential visitors within the UK and around the world."

The event programme launched today is a key part of Homecoming. Marie Christie, Homecoming Scotland 2009 Project Director said: "In developing the programme so far we've had a fantastic response from organisations, large and small from every area in Scotland, who have really taken the concept of Homecoming to their hearts and have developed diverse and inspiring activity for 2009.

"The programme detail announced today is just the beginning of the Homecoming story, over the coming months we will be releasing more information and bringing more and more partners on board. We think there is something in the programme for everyone and we hope Scots, and those who love Scotland, at home and abroad will join the celebrations in 2009. It's an exciting year for Scotland, it's a great year to come home."

A key part of today's announcement was the call for Scots to get involved in Homecoming. Here's how:

Extend the invite: Whether you are a native Scot; part of Scotland's extended global family, or maybe you just love Scotland, spread the word by telling your friends and relatives wherever they live, about the special year of Homecoming and encourage them to join us in our 2009 celebrations.

Log on to the official Homecoming website: www.homecomingscotland2009.com and send an e-invite inviting friends and family home.

Sign up for the Homecoming Scotland newsletter and be the first to get updates on exciting events as well as general information about Homecoming: www.homecomingscotland2009.com

For event organisers looking to develop Homecoming activities, contact the Homecoming Team who can assist with advice and in-kind marketing support. Further information can be obtained by contacting Rebecca McPherson, Homecoming Scotland 2009 T: +44 (0) 131 472 2408 / email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

For businesses and organisations wishing to promote Homecoming Scotland 2009, a logo can be downloaded from the website www.homecomingscotland2009.com for inclusion within marketing communications.

Further information:
Homecoming Scotland  

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