There's no place like home!

2009 will be a huge year for Scotland who will host its first ever Homecoming Year which has been created and timed to mark the 250th anniversary of our National Poet, Robert Burns. But Homecoming Scotland is so much besides. It also centres around our country’s great contributions to the world: golf, whisky, the Enlightenment, Innovation, and our rich culture and heritage.

Whether you have Scots ancestry or simply a passion for our great nation, 2009 will be an exceptional year to visit Scotland. A programme of inspirational events will run throughout 2009, complementing 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's something special for everyone.

Organisations from all over the country are planning Homecoming activities and invite you to join the celebrations.  From Orkney to Aberdeen, Oban to the Scottish Borders, there will be a packed calendar of events and activities to choose from.
Join the Burns birthday celebration; taste the fruity, malty undertones of one of the whiskies found at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival; applaud some of the world's greatest golfers at the Open Championship in Turnberry; rub shoulders with Real-life Clan Chiefs at Edinburgh's historic Clan Gathering or trace your roots at Scotland's People Centre.  Whatever your interests, you'll be sure to capture a flavour of our passion for Scotland.

If you were ever contemplating a return to Scotland or planning to visit for the first time, there will never be a better opportunity.  This year-long celebration will span the whole country and encompassing everything from culture to music, to sport and history.  If you want to see Scotland at its best then join us for Homecoming Scotland 2009.  You won’t be disappointed!

The Scottish Youth Hostels Association, SYHA, has hostels all over Scotland, so if you travel here as part of the Homecoming you can take the opportunity to visit not only the capital city, Edinburgh, but also the Highlands and Islands, the coast and the wild countryside, and the cities and market towns which demonstrate the diversity of this wonderful country.  The hostel managers and staff are great sources of information about the local area, and will be able to help you plan and make the most of your visit “home” to Scotland.

Here's to Burns, his enduring legacy, his pride in our great nation and his inspiration for our Homecoming celebrations - for auld lang syne!

Information:
www.homecomingscotland.com
www.syha.org.uk