To commemorate Homecoming Scotland 2009, the National Trust for Scotland have created a Homecoming themed cruise, entitled ‘Westering Home’. Between 21-28 May 2009, the cruise will visita number of exceptional destinations connected with the Homecoming themes, including Islay, Inverewe Gardens, Lewis and Harris, Tiree andAyr.

The first call will be to Port Ellen in the Isle of Islay,home of eight distilleries and the distinctive peaty and seaweedy single malt whisky. Heading out into the Atlantic Ocean an overnightsail brings us to the archipelago of St Kilda, one of only 24 dual World Heritage Sites worldwide. The next morning we will awake in beautiful Loch Ewe and come ashore to the small pier at the foot of Inverewe Garden and spend the day enjoying the gardens at our leisure. We will then make our way to Stornoway where we will berth for the day. Tours will be on offer to the most popular sights in Lewis and Harris, including the Callanish Standing Stones, Dun Carloway and Rodel Church.

Tiree has become a very fashionable destination for water sports, inparticular windsurfing. The island also has a rich history, a wide range of wildlife and spectacular scenery. Our final call will be to Ayr where we will have the opportunity to visit some of the places connected with Scotland’s national bard, Robert Burns. We will also visit nearby Culzean Castle and Country Park where there will be guided tours of the house, gardens and park.

Lecturers – Our lecturers on this cruise will be Roger Crofts (founding Chief Executive of Scottish Natural Heritage and Board member of the National Trust for Scotland), Dr David Munro is Director & Secretary of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society) and Billy Kay (broadcaster and author of The Scottish World about the Scottish diaspora).

Artistes – Our entertainment team will include Scotland the What? entertainer George Donald, Gaelic singer Anne Lorne Gillies, fiddler Ian Adamson and baritone Richard Morrison. Your compère for the cruise is Cameron Stout who will host the evening concerts and recitals, as well as lead a Scottish dancing class.

Further details can be found at on the National Trust for Scotland website

Courtesy of Homecoming Scotland 2009