With two weeks to go until the funding application deadline, theHomecoming Scotland team is delighted with the interest Scotland'sevent organisers have shown in the £1 million Themed Events Programme.

Applications for the programme, which provides funding opportunities toenhance or develop events run as part of the Homecoming celebrations,must be submitted by midday on February 26.

Homecoming Scotland 2009 aims to motivate people of Scottish descent,as well as those who simply love Scotland, to come home in 2009 andtake part in an inspirational celebration of our culture, heritage andthe many great contributions Scotland has given to the world.

2009 marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scotland's nationalpoet, Robert Burns, with the programme's design guided by Scotland'sunique position as the home of Burns, Golf, Whisky, the Enlightenmentand Innovation, and of course as the ancestral home of millions ofpeople of Scots descent worldwide.

Essential to the success of Homecoming Scotland is the creation of astrong and inspiring programme of events and activity taking place inScotland during 2009 that will engage and motivate Scots at home andabroad to take part in the celebrations. Already, an exciting range ofactivities are being proposed from the Western Isles to the ScottishBorders and everywhere in between.

Paul Bush, Chief Operating Officer of EventScotland, the nationalevents agency responsible for delivering Homecoming Scotland said:"2009 promises to be a very exciting year for Scots at home and abroadand of course for those who have a love of the country.

"We've been delighted with the interest shown in the Themed EventsProgramme so far and have already had a number of very excitingdiscussions around a number of event proposals.

"With just a couple of weeks before the February 26th submission date,we're still keen to hear from event organisers across the country thatmight have ideas for helping create or develop events in 2009."

The Themed Events Programme has funding totalling £1million to supportevents taking place through 2009 and which reflect the themes and helpdeliver the objectives for Homecoming Scotland. Of those which applyfor funds, events which present the strongest case in terms ofgenerating additional tourism, reflecting the themes and engaging withScotland's wider global family will be in the strongest position forreceiving support.

Further information:
Homecoming Scotland