Guest Author - Susan Keeping

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?

2009 is the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns. To help mark this anniversary, a year-long celebration of Scottish culture will take place in 2009. Homecoming Scotland 2009 is an initiative of the Scottish government and is managed by Events Scotland. It is an effort to welcome back those who have left Scotland, or those who are of Scottish ancestry and have never visited the country. There are over 100 events planned for Homecoming Scotland 2009 including sports events, musical events, Burns events and the largest clan gathering ever held in Scotland.

One of the first events will be celebrated on the Burns anniversary weekend of January 24th and 25th. The official Homecoming Scotland Burns Supper will take place in Ayrshire, Robert Burns birthplace. There will also be celebrations in North Carrick where his parent's met and married and Burns attended school. Starting this weekend will also be Celtic Connections, various musical events that will take place in Glasgow to celebrate new and upcoming Scottish musicians.

There will also be an attempt to break the world record for the number of Burns Suppers held worldwide on January 24th. People from around the world will register at the official site giving their plans for a Burns Supper.

Another very large event during Homecoming Scotland 2009 will be The Gathering on July 25th. This will be the biggest clan gathering ever held in Scotland. All of the events will take place in Edinburgh, they include; a clan parade along the Royal Mile and into Edinburgh Castle; a pageant held on the grounds of Edinburgh Castle which will include highland dancing and pipe bands; and a two-day highland games event in Holyrood Park. The Gathering will also feature live music, arts and crafts displays, and local cuisine.

Among sporting events to be held during Homecoming Scotland 2009 are The British Open to be held in Turnberry in July and the Intercontinental Rally Challenge to be held in November.

May will also be Whiskey Month, this will include a 3-day whiskey course in Fife and tasting whiskey at the Scotch Whiskey Experience in Edinburgh.

So, 2009 would be as good a time as any for expatriate Scots to return home, or for those with a keen interest in Scottish culture to finally visit Scotland. Homecoming Scotland 2009 promises to show you the best of Scotland.