As part of the campaign to attract people of Scots descent tocelebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, theScottish Football Tournament is to be rebranded as "The HomecomingScottish Cup." To this aim, the Scottish Government and former Celticdirector Willie Haughey have announced a £2million sponsorship dealwith the SFA (Scottish Football Association).

Over the next two years, the Glasgow-based City Refrigeration ownedby Willie Haughey is going to sponsor Scotland's most prestigiousdomestic cup, while handing the branding rights to the Government. Thiscomes after brewer Tennent's ended their 18-year backing in 2007 toinstead provide funding for the national team.

The competition will be aiming to promote good citizenship andhealthy living. As stated by SFA president George Peat, "If we can usethe magic of the cup to promote our country internationally and toencourage people to live better, healthier lives, then we will be doingsomething really special."

According to the the First Minister Mr Salmond: "Four million peopleacross 40 countries watched the Scottish Cup last year and this yearthey will all be invited to be a part of our year of Homecoming," thusturning a domestic competition into a "national sporting success."

Scotland's Homecoming celebrations will take place from January 25th(Burns Night), on, to November 30th (St Andrew's Day) 2009, including arange of events, such as Burns 250th anniversary weekend and HighlandGames extravaganza in Edinburgh.

Further information:

Homecoming Scotland