The statue of Robert Burns in Dumfries
Brady Roisin
Traditional Burns Suppers were held as far afield as Kazakhstan and Cuba, during the Burns weekend, kicking-off Homecoming Scotland celebrating the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns’ birth.
The main themes for Homecoming are Scotland’s contributions to the world in the shape of golf, whisky, Robert Burns, great minds and innovations as well as oor ancestry and heritage.
Marie Christie, director of Homecoming Scotland, said she was “delighted” with the response to the weekend’s events.
She continued: “Homecoming is about creating a real sense of celebration in Scotland and inviting the world to share it with us.”
She added: “The fantastic community response is testament to the interest and enthusiasm for Burns and this unique celebration.”
The focal point of this month’s Scottish festivities will be Alloway in Ayrshire, the village where Burns was born in 1759.
Events already announced include a show at the Clyde Auditorium to celebrate the songs of Burns and the biggest clan gathering for 200 years in Edinburgh in July.
A major international motorsport event, The Intercontinental Rally Challenge, is also set to take place in Perth and Kinross and Stirling in November.
In Inveraray, to mark Whisky Month in May, the two-day Spirit of the West whisky festival is planned.
The Homecoming Event has proved hugely popular, with ticket outlets reporting record sales to date and political enthusiasm from all parties.
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott said the planned events would be a “great opportunity” to showcase Scotland to the rest of the world.
He continued: “2009 needs to be a great year-round event across Scotland, from Shetland to Stranraer, Aboyne and Oban.”
He added: “These events have received unprecedented interest from home and abroad.”
Adverts promoting Scotland’s Homecoming celebrations will now be shown in the United States.
Mr Salmond said: “In the coming months, the advert will reach millions of potential visitors when it is shown on TV in England, Northern Ireland and the USA for the first time.”
He added: “There can be no doubt that Scotland’s Year of Homecoming is reconnecting people around the globe with Scotland and our great contributions to the world.”
Leave a comment
No comments yet.
Veritas 
Leave a comment