HOMECOMING SCOTLAND LAUNCHES FINALE CELEBRATIONS;
THE BIGGEST EVER ST ANDREW’S DO

The Homecoming Scotland Finale Celebrations launched today (23 September) creating the biggest ever programme of events co-ordinated to mark St Andrew’s Day, Scotland’s National Day. The spectacular programme has more than 40 events taking place across the country from 26 - 30 November 2009. With Scotland’s music providing the soundtrack, this is one party you simply can’t miss.

Featuring gigs, concerts and ceilidhs; fashion shows, fun runs, and fireworks; banquets, Burns and pipe bands; art, installations and exhibitions; parades, parties and debates, there’s so much going on. From the Highlands to Haddington, Dundee to Dumfries and many locations in between, there’s plenty of opportunity to join the celebrations and do something for St Andrew’s Day this Homecoming year.

The festivities are delivered by event organisers and local authorities across the country who have developed exciting new events to mark the end of what has been a truly celebratory year for Scotland. The number and range of events created is a testament to how Scotland has pulled together throughout the year to present the vast and successful Homecoming events programme.

As the finale weekend approaches this huge range of St Andrew’s activity is set to increase as
around the country more events are added to the programme. With many of the events free to
attend plus many ‘Visit for Free’ visitor attractions opening their doors, there’s a wealth of
opportunities for all to take part in the biggest ever St Andrew’s Do.

Jim Mather, Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism said: “This year, St Andrew’s Day is made even more special as it heralds the closing of a very successful Homecoming Year. November 30 also kicks off our Winter Festival leading on from a remarkably successful summer season and so gives us another chance to showcase Scotland as a great year-round visitor destination. We have an unprecedented programme of events planned around Scotland’s national day and I encourage all Scots everywhere and anyone with an affinity for Scotland to celebrate our rich heritage and vibrant modern culture.”

Marie Christie, Project Director for Homecoming Scotland 2009, said: “All over the country hundreds of individuals and organisations are working hard to make sure that this Homecoming Year presents the most diverse and exciting programme of events ever co-ordinated to mark St Andrew’s Day and the spectacular finale of our unique and successful Homecoming Year.”

The programme is supported by an extensive marketing campaign delivered in partnership with VisitScotland and the Scottish Government. Launched today, the 16 page A5 guide will be available at VisitScotland Information Centres and many other key outlets across Scotland and the UK. The programme is also available online at www.homecomingscotland2009.com both as a downloadable file and searchable database. Visit the website and register for programme updates, competitions and news.

ENDS

To download the full programme as a PDF (3MB) please visit: www.homecomingscotland2009.com/finale  

For further Information and images please contact:

Gayle Wilson
Homecoming Scotland PR Manager
0131 472 2067
Gayle.Wilson@eventscotland.org  

Notes to Editors

• The Homecoming Scotland Finale Celebrations will present Scotland’s Biggest Ever St Andrew’s Do from 26th - 30th November 2009. With more than 40 events and opportunities to visit some of Scotland’s major attractions for free across Scotland, a full programme of activity is available at www.homecomingscotland2009.com 

• St Andrew’s Day, 30 November, is Scotland’s national day. It is a time for everyone at home and friends across the globe to celebrate Scotland and its people - our history and culture but also our diverse and vibrant contemporary society. Full information on St Andrew’s Day, including its history, local and international events, Visit for Free visitor attractions across Scotland, and ideas for hosting your own event, can be found on www.scotland.org/standrewsday.

• The Homecoming Scotland Finale Celebrations herald the start of the winter festival season in Scotland, inviting visitors to extend their stay beyond the St Andrew’s weekend to sample the sights and sounds in a range of towns and cities.

• Homecoming Scotland 2009 is an inspirational programme of events running from Burns Night to St Andrew’s Day which motivates people with Scottish ancestry, as well as those who simply love Scotland, to “Come Home” in 2009.

• Homecoming Scotland is funded by the Scottish Government and is managed by EventScotland the national events agency in partnership with VisitScotland, the country’s national tourism agency. Homecoming is part financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund.