Events & Training

Homecoming Scotland 2009

Homecoming Scotland 2009 logo

Homecoming Scotland 2009 marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scotland's national poet and cultural icon Robert Burns, whose message of friendship epitomised through the song 'Auld Lang Syne' lives on.

Burns is the inspiration behind our year long celebration of some of Scotland's great contributions to the world:

  • Golf
  • Whisky
  • Great Scottish Minds and Innovation
  • Robert Burns
  • and our rich culture and heritage.

For the millions around the world with Scots ancestry and everyone with a passion for our great nation, 2009 will be an exceptional year to visit Scotland.

As part of its Homecoming Scotland marketing activity, VisitScotland has co-ordinated the most comprehensive connection with Scotland’s diaspora to date. This year’s Burns Night campaign has the potential to reach over 200,000 ex-pat Scots and people with Scottish ancestry around the world, who will all receive a message from First Minister Alex Salmond, encouraging them to come to Scotland in 2009.

As well as reaching the officials of around 1,600 Scottish organisations world wide, VisitScotland and EventScotland have enlisted the help of the International Burns Federation, Global Friends of Scotland and Global Scots to encourage their members to start planning their travel to Scotland in 2009.

VisitScotland’s marketing campaign for Homecoming Scotland 2009 will, over the next 18 months, reach out to both the diaspora and the best tourism prospects in the UK and overseas, encouraging them to join Scotland’s year long celebration.

Homecoming Scotland 2009 is a Scottish Government initiative delivered by EventScotland, the national events agency, in partnership with VisitScotland.

The programme of Homecoming events will complement the vast range of world-class attractions already offered in Scotland. From the world's biggest ever Clan Gathering in Edinburgh to Celtic Connections in Glasgow and from the Open Championship at Turnberry to the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, there will be something special for everyone.

Events Guide

Homecoming Scotland 2009 pdf Homecoming Scotland 2009 Events Guide
PDF document 5mb


Website

For more information on Homecoming Scotland 2009 visit the website www.homecomingscotland2009.com

Get Involved

If you'd like to get involved, there is a specific section on the site where you can download the: brand guidelines, logo and an event search ‘widget’ that you can add to your own website.

Toolkit

The  Homecoming Scotland Toolkit is designed to provide a one-stop-shop for travel and tourism professionals, international and domestic media, event organisers and other stakeholders.

It includes:

  • Downloadable overview of Homecoming Scotland by Roddy Martine
  • Digital guides and itineraries
  • Pictures, Logos & Brand Guidelines
  • Useful information
  • Contacts

The toolkit is available here on the Homecoming site.