Homecoming Scotland 2009 is the big marketing push for tourism. Find out how your business can benefit by attending a Homecoming Scotland 2009 spotlight event in Inverness next week.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise, in conjunction with Homecoming Scotland 2009, are cordially inviting tourism companies from across the region to the New Drumossie Hotel in Inverness on Friday 27th June from 2pm.

The event is free and open to representatives of the tourism industry in the Highlands and Islands. There will be presentations from Homecoming Scotland 2009 and VisitScotland, and the opportunity to questions.

Free to, delegates will receive presentations from, and also get the opportunity to ask questions. The programme will provide details of the marketing activities undertaken by VisitScotland to attract visitors to Scotland in 2009, and details of the opportunities for tourism businesses to get involved.

Homecoming Scotland 2009 is a Scottish Government initiative managed by EventScotland in partnership with VisitScotland, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. From Burns night to St Andrew’s Day, a country wide programme of exciting and inspirational events and activities will celebrate some of Scotland’s great contributions to the world: Burns himself, whisky, golf, great minds and innovations, and our rich culture and heritage. 2009 will be a special year for Scots and for those who simply love Scotland.

The programme of events for Homecoming Scotland 2009 was officially launched earlier this week by First Minister, the Rt Hon Alex Salmond at Edinburgh Castle.

The first Homecoming year aims to 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.

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, Mr Salmond 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.”

Marie Christie, Homecoming Scotland 2009 Project Director added: “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.”

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

Links
HomecomingScotland2009.com

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 on +44 (0) 131 472 2408 / email: info@homecomingscotland.com