•  What is Homecoming?
•  Who is behind Homecoming?
•  When is it taking place?
•  Why is it happening in 2009?
•  What are the main themes?
•  Why have these themes been chosen?
•  Where can I find out about the events taking place during the Year of Homecoming?
•  Who is the year of Homecoming aimed at?
•  Is it just for visitors or can local people get involved too?
•  How can I get involved?
•  How can I promote Homecoming?
•  I'm thinking of taking a trip in Scotland during the year of Homecoming. How do I book my trip?
•  Where can I book accommodation?
•  I've heard the weather's bad in winter - is that true?
•  What about other general information eg shop opening hours, public holidays, banks?
•  I can't find the answer to my question in this list. How can I get in touch?

General Questions about Homecoming

What is Homecoming Scotland?
Homecoming Scotland is an inspirational celebration of Robert Burns, our culture, heritage and the many great contributions Scotland has given the world.

Who is behind Homecoming Scotland?
Homecoming Scotland is a Scottish Government initiative managed by EventScotland in partnership with VisitScotland

When is it taking place?
The Homecoming programme starts on the weekend of Burns night (24-25 January 2009) and continues right through to St Andrew's Night (30th November 2009)

Why is it happening in 2009?
2009 marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of our national poet and international cultural icon Robert Burns whose message of friendship and 'Auld Lang Syne' lives on. 2009 will be a celebration of not only Robert Burns but some of Scotland's other great contributions to the world, namely golf, whisky, enlightenment and innovation and ancestry.

What are the main themes of Homecoming Scotland?
The main themes are Scotland as the Home of Burns, Scotland as the Home of Whisky, Golf, the Scottish Enlightenment and Innovation, and the Home of our Ancestors.

Why have these themes been chosen?
The themes for Homecoming have been chosen because they are uniquely Scottish and are widely recognised across the world as being icons of Scotland and uniquely Scottish.

Where can I find out about the events taking place during the Year of Homecoming?
You will be able to find out about all the events on this website. The events programme will be announced at the end of May, at which point we will include all of this information on the website.

Getting involved

Who is the year of Homecoming aimed at?
It is aimed at anyone who loves Scotland as well as people of Scottish descent.

Isn't it just for tourists?
Not at all - it's for anyone who loves Scotland, including people who live in Scotland. Most of the events included in the Homecoming programme will be of as much interest to the Scottish people as well as to tourists, whether they have Scottish ancestry or simply love Scotland.

How can I get involved?
If you're based in Scotland, why not tell your friends and relatives from all over the world about the special year of Homecoming and encourage them to visit during 2009?

If you're thinking of organising an event, go to Get Involved  page for the full list of contacts and to find out about the various events programmes.

If you are a Scottish-based business wanting to promote Homecoming, please go to the Promotional Toolkit section of the website or alternatively contact Rebecca MacPherson

How can I promote Homecoming?
We are currently developing a promotional toolkit but for now you can download the Homecoming logo for inclusion on your marketing communications and we'd also be delighted if you included a link to our website on your website.

Taking a Break in Scotland 

I'm thinking of taking a trip in Scotland during the year of Homecoming. How do I book my trip?
Go to the Plan Your Trip page where you can find more information depending on where you are travelling from

Where can I book accommodation?
Go to the visitscotland.com website

I've heard the weather's bad in winter - is that true?
People always think that Scottish winters are bitterly, bitterly cold, which is not necessarily true. It can get rather blustery at times though, and that is what makes for perfect indoor weather. A fireside dram at Uisge Beatha in Glasgow, or some hearty "haggis, neeps and tatties" at The Bothy in Perth would be just the ticket to help you warm up when the wind chill kicks in. In fact, the warm welcome and cosy conversation you will find in any Scottish pub will get you feeling nice and toasty in no time.

Far from being a time for hibernation, Scotland actually perks up in the months heading into the holiday season - with winter fairs and festivals taking place in towns and cities all over the country. The most famous of all being the four-day Hogmanay party in Edinburgh - the ultimate way to welcome in the New Year.

And of course, Scotland's mountain climbing and skiing is exhilarating during the winter months. The town of Aviemore in the Highlands is buzzing with winter sports fans heading to the nearby Cairngorms.

What about other general information eg shop opening hours, public holidays, banks?
For more information, click here.

I can't find the answer to my question in this list. How can I get in touch?
Contact us at info@homecomingscotland.com