HIGHLAND HOMECOMING HAS ARRIVED
For two weeks The Highlands will take centre stage in Scotland’s year of the Homecoming 2009. Excitement is mounting as preparations and rehearsals are well underway with performers, musicians, historians and spectators flying in from around the globe to participate in the festivities.
There is something for everyone with a programme of over 100 events including spectacular street theatre, music, storytelling and of course our world famous ceilidhs.
Buildings in Inverness will light up the skyline with colourful lighting to celebrate the commencement of Highland Homecoming 2009.
Events taking place range from multi-award winning singer Julie Fowlis, to the hanging of knitting sent from all over the world from one end of the Skye Bridge to the other to Big Man Walking, the 10,000 year mythical giant who will walk the streets of Invergordon.
A series of free discussions on Ten Things that Changed the Highlands will offer audiences the opportunity to discuss and debate important events that have shaped our region.
Marie Christie, Project Director at Homecoming Scotland, said: “Following on from the success delivered by earlier Homecoming supported events in the Highlands, The Blas Festival, The Crossing, Belladrum and Baxter’s Loch Ness Marathon, and the activities of schools and communities across the Highlands we are very excited that the Highland Homecoming celebrations are almost here.
“With the rich heritage, culture and landscape of the Highland’s to explore, this showcase promises to be one of the highlights of the year. After all the hard work we are delighted so many fascinating events are on offer for audiences throughout the region.”
At the core of the events programme is Scotland’s Global Impact Conference exploring the theory that our small nation did indeed change the world. Leading historians are flying in from around the globe to participate in how Scotland changed the world.
Scots History enthusiasts welcomed the news last week that Tom Devine added his name to the billing. Professor Devine will be discussing the impact slavery had on our nation as part of a programme that also includes Dr Tony Pollard, Dr Jim Hunter and Professor Eric Richards.
To find out more about Highland Homecoming and the programme of events log on to
www.highlandeventsandfestivals.com
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NOTES TO EDITORS
Images available
Principal Partners: Homecoming Scotland, The Highland Council Scottish Government, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Bòrd na Gàidhlig
Major Partners: Scottish Arts Council, LEADER, EventScotland
In Kind Partner: Ashers’ Bakeries
Event Partners: UHI, University of Aberdeen, University of Edinburgh, Centre for Battlefield Archaeology, University of Glasgow
Homecoming Scotland 2009
1. Homecoming Scotland 2009 aims to engage Scots at home as well as motivate people of Scottish descent and those who simply love Scotland, to take part in an inspirational celebration of our culture, heritage and some of the many great contributions Scotland has given to the world.
2. 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, and Scotland’s culture and heritage which lives on at home and through Scotland’s global family.
3. The budget for Homecoming is £5.5million and the target is for an 8 to 1 return on investment i.e. £44 million revenue additionality.
4. 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. 5. For more information on Homecoming Scotland please visit:
www.homecomingscotland2009.com
Contact:
Roisin-Alana Di Giacomo on 01463 716739
Rdigiacomo@webershandwick.com