CELEBRATE SCOTTISH ANCESTRY IN EDINBURGH
SHERATON GRAND EDINBURGH OFFERS ‘GENEALOGY CONCIERGE’ SERVICE
17 April 2009: This July sees one of the most eagerly awaited events of the Homecoming Scotland year with The Gathering in Edinburgh which will play host to Scotland’s largest
Highland Games and the opportunity for visitors to find out about their ancestry.
To celebrate this, the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa in Edinburgh is offering a
Genealogy Concierge service throughout 2009 for visitors, with genealogy expert Sheila Duffy.
It is estimated that 50 million people world-wide are of Scottish descent, and the
Genealogy Concierge service provides a unique opportunity for guests from America and other Scottish ‘hotspots’ to explore their heritage.
The Scottish records go back to 1553 and are widely recognised to be the most accessible in the world but few know how to fully harness this ancestral information. The Genealogy Concierge enables guests to trace their family roots, by discovering where they lived, where they might be buried, what sort of lives they led or what further documentation may have survived.
Sheila will sit down with guests for a one to one, hour long consultation for a fee of £70.00. She will establish what the guest already knows about their Scottish connections, and give practical advice about how to develop their search for their Scottish ancestors.
The Gathering in Edinburgh will take place on 25 and 26 July and will welcome clan members from around the world to witness Scotland's largest ever Highland Games in the inspiring Holyrood Park. Visitors can marvel at the athletes battling to win the 2009 World Highland Games Heavy Events, enjoy the skills of the pipers and Highland dancers and the stamina of the hill runners.
There will also be the opportunity to enjoy live music, top-quality arts and crafts, and the best local food and drink. Visit the clan tents to find out more about your family and watch the spectacular centrepiece of
The Gathering 2009, the colourful
Clan Parade on the famous Royal Mile, culminating in a spectacular
Historic Pageant on Edinburgh Castle's esplanade.
As part of
Homecoming Scotland there are numerous events throughout 2009 focusing on Scottish ancestry. These include the Home Away from Home: The Scottish Emigration Experience at the National Library of Scotland which takes place from 26 June – 11 October.
The first Scottish Diaspora Forum, held in the Scottish Parliament on 25 July will explore the rich potential of the global Scots family while the inaugural World Clan Golf Championship in neighbouring East Lothian will take place from 27 – 29 July.
-ENDS-
For more information on the Genealogy Concierge service contact the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa in Edinburgh on 0131 229 9131 or email grandedinburgh.sheraton@sheraton.com. Alternatively, please visit www.sheraton.com/grandedinburgh.
For further details on Homecoming Scotland events visit
www.homecomingscotland2009.com
Further press information:
Ruma Davda / Leila Frank
Profile Plus
T: 0131 554 6111
E: rd@profileplus.co.uk / lf@profileplus.co.uk
Biography - Genealogist Sheila Duffy
Sheila Duffy is from Edinburgh but lives and works in Glasgow, and has been involved in genealogy for thirty years. While she specialises in Glasgow and West of Scotland connections, her work covers all Scotland.
A trained journalist, Sheila currently edits the award-winning magazine of the Glasgow and West of Scotland Family History Society, and has broadcast regularly on genealogical matters including for Radio Clyde, BBC Scotland and Saga Radio.
She is a member of the Scottish Genealogy Society and co-author of its publication “Monumental Inscriptions of East Lothian”.
Her breadth of knowledge, combined with her communication skills are unrivalled in Scotland.
Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh
The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh is a five-star, 260-bedroom hotel located in the centre of Scotland’s dynamic capital city. From the genuine warmth of the welcome to the soothing sanctuary of the rooms, the Sheraton Grand looks to relax and reward in equal measure. With restaurants for every occasion, lounges for drinks and conversation and an inspirational spa, the Sheraton Grand is a place to feel connected.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 930 properties in approximately 97 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched AloftSM, and ElementSM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit
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