Homecoming Scotland 2009: Local Events in West Dunbartonshire

Scot’s Racing Legend Jackie Stewart Honoured As A Freeman Of West Dunbartonshire

It’s The Homecoming Event Of The Year – Friday 26 June, 2009

Dumbarton born and bred, Sir John Young Stewart OBE, better known around the globe to his millions of fans as Sir Jackie Stewart and internationally renowned for his incredible achievements in Formula One Racing from 1965 - 1973, will return home to Dumbarton on Friday 26 June to be bestowed the honour of being made a Freeman of West Dunbartonshire.

Sir Jackie will spend the day in West Dunbartonshire, visiting ‘old haunts’ and will receive the Freemanship at a special ceremony in the Dumbarton Municipal Buildings at 6.00pm. Local school children will give Sir Jackie a guided tour of his old primary school, now Dumbarton Academy, and will interview the racing great about his life and his achievements at a ‘Junior’ Press Conference. They will also present Sir Jackie with a specially designed birthday cake to celebrate his 70th birthday. Sir Jackie will later unveil a commemorative plaque to mark the house where he spent his childhood.

Sir Jackie said: Sir Jackie said: “It means a lot to me to be returning home. It’s a huge compliment to be bestowed with the Freemanship of West Dunbartonshire. I have always been very proud of my Dumbarton origins and I am delighted that West Dunbartonshire is proud of my achievements and is granting me with this wonderful honour. I am really delighted to have this recognition and am looking forward to a visit to my old primary school and to the home where I grew up.”

Sir Jackie was recognised for his services both to motorsport and the motor manufacturing industry, by the award of the OBE in 1972 and subsequently a Knighthood in 2001 and has been awarded of several honorary doctorates from as far afield as Michigan, Glasgow Caledonian University, the Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, the University of Glasgow, the University of Stirling, Cranfield University and most recently Edinburgh University.

Follow this link to read the full article

Lomond Folk Festival

Come home and enjoy the Lomond Folk Festival which is held annually in July at Balloch on the shores of Loch Lomond.

Main events are in the Festival Marquee on Moss O'Balloch Park with other activities throughout Balloch.  Main Acts include a ceilidh with Rusty Nail on Friday 24th July; whilst Saturday 25th July sees the return of the very popular Beggars' Row whose main focus is traditional music.  On Sunday 26th July we have Capercaillie who are very well known both nationally & internationally and whose music is heavily steeped in the Gaelic culture of the West Highlands. In addition, to celebrate our Bard's 250th birthday, we are holding a Robert Burns Competition where contestants will sing or recite their choice from Burns' work.
As an extra in this year of Homecoming, Dougie MacLean (whose song, Caledonia, is the Homecoming theme) will be appearing at the Denny Civic Theatre, Dumbarton on Friday 22nd May.

Where and When:
Start Date – Friday 24th July
End Date – Sunday 26th July
Address – various venues within Balloch

Some events are free and others may be ticketed

For further information, please visit our website - http://www.lomondfolkfestival.com/

The Great Scots Cup - Homecoming Year – A Truly Scottish Golfing Tournament

Join us for a celebration of the Great Scots as the great Scots pay the Great Scots Cup on the championship 18-hole golf course on Loch Lomond.  The Great Scots Cup is an event for golfers and non golfers alike, with the entire proceeds going to children’s hospice charities.  The event will be held at The Carrick on Loch Lomond, a championship course, designed by Canadian Doug Carrick. We are delighted that Sir Alex Ferguson, honorary captain of The Carrick, will be attending the event. The day will begin with a shotgun start tournament at The Carrick for both golfers and non golfers, with further fun filled additional activities including the opportunity to relax and be pampered in the luxurious surroundings of the Spa which overlooks the course.  The day will conclude with a black tie gala banquet offering the best of Scottish produce; prize-giving and celebrity entertainment including world renowned Great Scots.  Beat the retreat and with fireworks to the sound of the pipes and drums, the day will be brought to a spectacular close. 

Where and When:
The event will be held during the Summer 2009 – dates to be confirmed
Address – Cameron House on Loch Lomond & The Carrick Golf Course on Loch Lomond.

Entry Details:

For the opportunity to enter a corporate team in this prestigious event, a donation will be sought per team.  The team will be made up of three golfers and three non golfers and a Great Scots Celebrity Captain will be drawn on the day to lead your team.  Complimentary accommodation at Cameron House is included for all six people. All donation monies will be forwarded to Sir Alex Ferguson’s charity, the Elizabeth Hardy Ferguson Trust Fund and also CHAS, the nominated charity of Cameron House.

Contact Details
Shona Brierton
Cameron House on Loch Lomond, Loch Lomond, Dunbartonshire, G83 8QZ
Tel: 01389 722540
Email: shona.brierton@cameronhouse.co.uk
Website – http://www.cameronhouse.co.uk/

Homecoming Scotland to the Sheilings

Join the Forestry Commission Ranger and West Dunbartonshire Council Ranger on a short walk up Cochno Hill to the Sheilings.  This event is part of ‘Homecoming Scotland’ to celebrate our cultural heritage.  We will be wandering back in time with cultural demonstrations including weaving and dying at the Sheilings. Meet the ancient clansman and get involved in hands on ancient activities. Suitable for all ages.  This event will also feature as part of Scottish Archaeology Month.

This project is funded by Forest Heritage Scotland (www.forestheritagescotland.com), a partnership project between Forestry Commission Scotland and the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland,  which aims to enhance knowledge and inspire exploration of the heritage sites of the national forest estate. Check out the website for other Forest Heritage Scotland events.

Start Date – Saturday 12 September
End Date – Saturday 12 September
Time – 12noon to 4pm
Where to meet - Edinbarnet Council Car Park, Cochno Road.  Free car parking
Special Conditions – Please bring warm outdoor wear and waterproof; stout footwear; snacks and water.  Basic level of fitness required – the Sheilings are off road up a small hill.

Please note - Booking for this event is essential.

To book your place or for enquiries contact:

Gillian Neil
West Dunbartonshire Countryside Ranger Service
Council Offices
Garshake Road
G823PU
Tel: 01389752977
Mobile: 07909595283
Email: Gillian.neil@west-dunbarton.gov.uk

Please note that bookings will only be accepted until midday on the day prior to the event. For example, to book onto an event on 17th May you must book by 12pm on 16th May.

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