Calling all Early Birds - get your discounted tickets for this unique event - the Scotland’s Global Impact conference.

23 March 2009

Organisers of the flagship Homecoming Scotland event, Scotland’s Global Impact – how one small nation changed the world! Buaidh Chruinneil na h-Alba – mar a dh’atharraich aon dùthaich bheag an saoghal! are calling everyone interested in our nation’s history to take advantage of the fantastic Early Bird discount announced today for this international conference celebrating Scotland’s Year of Homecoming.

Tickets purchased prior to 31 May will be eligible for a substantial discount of up to £50 on the standard cost of a three day ticket for this gathering taking place at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, from 22 – 24 October 2009.

Minister for Tourism, Jim Mather, said: “This is a fantastic event which is part of the wider Homecoming calendar. I would encourage those with an interest in Scottish ancestry to attend this event and extend the invitation to relatives and friends across the Highlands and beyond.”
“Homecoming is shaping up to be a real success and with over 300 events taking place across the country, there will be something for everyone.”

The Highland Council convener, Sandy Park, said: “This exciting three day event is a unique opportunity for all of us interested in our country, our history and the global impact of Scots to hear top speakers from around the world right here on our own doorstep – don’t miss it! Add to this the fantastic Early Bird discount just announced, and there’s no excuse for everyone in the Highlands not to attend!”

“At the same time, we are able to use this as a great opportunity show off the best of the Highlands and invite others to the area to experience our unique landscape and culture for themselves. As well as the conference, a 12-day programme of cultural events across the area is sure to encourage visitors to come early and stay longer this October.”

Conference partners include The Highland Council, UHI Millennium Institute, University of Glasgow Centre for Battlefield Research, University of Edinburgh, University of Aberdeen, as well as The Scotsman and Ashers Bakery.

The conference will appeal to people interested in Scotland, its history and the Scottish contribution to countries and communities all around the world – telling the story of a people full of the spirit of adventure, and with a passionate love of the country they still call home. By offering this tremendous discount on tickets purchased before 31 May, organisers hope to help attract widespread interest in the conference throughout the Highlands, across Scotland and into communities with Scottish connections further afield.
The conference is the central event in Highland Homecoming – ur beatha dhan dùthaich! From 19 to 31 October this fantastic programme of exciting cultural events will offer arts, music, theatre, spectacular projections, archaeology, exhibitions, as well as informal talks and seminars - all with a Homecoming theme. The full programme is due to be announced later this spring with full details available on  www.highlandeventsandfestivals.com in due course.

For more information contact Alison Bell on 01463 715771 / 07765 242686 or Fiona Hampton on 01463 702007 or 07795 825581

Editor’s Notes

1.    Conference rates
Early Bird discount until 31 May:
Daily Rate £35 per person
        Three Day Rate £100 per person

Conference rates from 1 June:
        Daily Rate £50 per person
        Three Day Rate £150
/over
Concessions
    50% concessions for students, under 18s and over 60s
    10 % reduction for groups of 5 to 9 people
    20% reduction for groups of 10+ people

2.    Tickets are available through the Eden Court Theatre Box Office by purchasing online (at www.eden-court.co.uk), by telephone (on 01463 234 234) or in person at the Theatre Box Office.

3.    Conference partners include The Highland Council, UHI Millennium Institute, University of Glasgow Centre for Battlefield Research, University of Edinburgh, University of Aberdeen, as well as The Scotsman and Ashers Bakery.

4.    Scotland’s Global Impact: The conference programme and further information is available at www.scotlandsglobalimpact.com.  

Appealing to anyone with an interest in Scottish ancestry and the global role Scots have played in shaping our world, the themes of the Scotland's Global Impact conference include a focus on early migration patterns to and from Scotland, as well as assessing the trends in contemporary population movement; examining our ancestors' desire to travel from Scotland to North America, Australia, New Zealand and beyond; and looking at the role of the Scots in the military at home and abroad from the 17th to 19th centuries. Featured speakers include Professor Ted Cowan, Professor James Hunter, Professor John Mackenzie and Dr Tony Pollard.

Scotland's Global Impact offers an opportunity to hear about the peoples who made Scotland, and to contrast this with our current migration patterns; to discover the connected lives and legends of Abraham Lincoln and Robert Burns; to explore the long distance relationships Scotland holds with New Zealand and Australia; and to hear how Scottish soldiers have contributed to campaigns both fighting for their own territory and for that of their allies.

5.    Homecoming Scotland is a Scottish Government initiative managed by EventScotland, the National Events Agency, in partnership with VisitScotland, the National Tourism Agency.  Homecoming Scotland 2009 aims to motivate people of Scottish descent, as well as those who simply   love Scotland, to come home in 2009 and take part in an inspirational celebration of our culture,   heritage and the many great contributions Scotland has given to the world.

2009 marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, with the  programme’s design guided by Scotland’s unique position as the home of Burns himself, Golf, Whisky, great minds and innovations, rich culture and heritage and as the ancestral home of millions of people of Scots descent worldwide. For more information on Homecoming Scotland please visit homecomingscotland2009.com or contact  Gayle Wilson, PR Manager, on 0131 472 2067.