Scotland and its Diaspora
Conferences, Talks and Exhibitions
At A Glance
Throughout
Homecoming Year, a number of conferences will explore the relationship between Scotland and its Diaspora. These events will attract distinguished speakers to explore and celebrate the way Scots have shaped countries and communities around the world and will consider what it means to be Scottish today. Focussing on topics such as
genealogy,
Burns and the Global Scots family, these events host something for everyone. See below for a snapshot of Homecoming conferences, talks and exhibitions coming up soon...
The Original Export: Stories of Scottish Emigration
Edinburgh, June 26 - Oct 11
A programme of events demonstrates how Scots have influenced and shaped new communities which even today still retain a strong Scottish identity.
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International Genealogy Festival
Glasgow, July 21 - 24
If you're part of the Scottish Diaspora, or if you would like to discover more about family records in Scotland and overseas then join us for a worldwide celebration of Scots Genealogy, Family History and Heraldry with a major exhibition, lectures, historic walks and visits and much more!
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Doon Hame with Burns Conference 
Dumfries, July 25
‘Doon Hame with Robert Burns’ will celebrate Burns’ life, work and legacy at Ellisland and Dumfries. This conference concentrates mainly on Burns’ years in Dumfries.
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The Scottish Diaspora Forum – ‘A Future from our Past’
Edinburgh, July 25
An exploration of the rich potential of the Global Scots family. Hosted by the presiding officer Alex Fergusson MSP, with the first and second presiding officers Lord (David) Steel of Aikwood KT KBE and the RT Hon Dr George Reid, taking major roles in the event. Professor Tom Devine will be keynote speaker.
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Homecoming Scotland's Global Leadership Conference
Musselburgh, July 27
The 2009 Homecoming Scotland Leadership Conference, co-hosted by the American-Scottish Foundation and the Illinois St Andrew Society, will feature formal presentations and workshops throughout the day.
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Festival of Politics
Edinburgh, August 22-28
This unique political initiative brings together the worlds of politics, media and the arts creating an environment where politics can truly meet the people.
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The Angus & Dundee Roots Festival
Angus and Dundee, Sept 26 - Oct 4
The Angus & Dundee Roots Festival will provide a focus for people whose ancestors came from Angus and Dundee to visit and find out more about their ancestral homeland. The festival will include a packed programme of specialist core events plus talks and readings; guided tours of local historic sites; demonstrations; heritage film shows; and lots more.
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Public Lecture by Neal Ascherson: "Brothers and sisters for a' That': Rediscovering the Polish-Scottish Relationship' chaired by Professor Tom Devine
Edinburgh, October 1-2
A major two-day international conference. The Polish Cultural Institute in London, in cooperation with the Scottish Centre for Diaspora Studies (University of Edinburgh), with the support of the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Edinburgh, has organised an engaging two-day international conference addressing "Scotland and Poland: a Historical Relationship, 1500 - 2009".
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Scotland’s Global Impact: How one small nation changed the world!
Inverness, October 22-24
An international conference exploring and celebrating the way Scots have shaped countries and communities around the world. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to understand Scotland’s present and future from its past!
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