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Countdown to Highland Homecoming begins
19th August 2009
The countdown to Highland Homecoming begins today (Wednesday 19 August) with the launch of the full programme at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness.
Over 100 guests gathered at the launch to learn about the programme of more than 100 cultural and heritage events, all taking place around the Highlands between 19 and 31 October 2009. The events range from performances by some of Scotland’s leading artists to ceilidhs, heritage events, exhibitions and walks, all aimed at giving people a flavour of the unique culture of the Highlands.
The programme includes performances from well known figures and artists including Mary Ann Kennedy, Julie Fowlis, Mike Russell MSP, Dr Margaret Bennett, Charles Kennedy and comedian Des Clarke, as well as the not to missed outdoor performance of Macbeth by Polish Theatre Company, Teatr Biuoro Podrozy. Other Highland Homecoming highlights include one-off performances by Big Man Walking, a giant puppet show on the streets of Invergordon and Blair Douglas’s Gaelic Mass in Oban.
During the festival over 30 historians from around the world, including Dr Tony Pollard and Professor Eric Richards, will debate and discuss the impact Scots have made across the world at ‘Scotland’s Global Impact’ which runs from 22 to 24 October. Event goers can expect to hear controversial arguments about subjects ranging from the Highland Clearances to the influence of Highlanders on Canada’s Seven Year War. This event will be opened by First Minister Alex Salmond MSP and chaired by Lesley Riddoch and is not to be missed by anyone with an interest in Scottish history.
Speaking at the launch Marie Christie, Project Director of Homecoming Scotland, said: “Homecoming Scotland is delighted to be celebrating Scotland’s rich Highland culture and heritage with this extraordinary programme of events combining the very best of traditional and contemporary entertainment with some unexpected surprises. At the same time, the gathering of some of the world’s leading authorities on Scotland’s history at the Scotland’s Global Impact conference will breathe new life into how we Scots see ourselves and how others see us around the globe.”
As part of the launch celebrations guests heard a special recital of the Homecoming poem, composed for Highland Homecoming by George Gunn of Caithness. They also enjoyed musical performances by Fèis Rois.
Cllr Sandy Park, Convenor of Highland Council said: “Highland Homecoming will include a feast of everything that makes this region unique, from its music to its history and, as well as attracting visitors, it will give our communities many reasons and opportunities to join in the national Homecoming celebrations.”
“On behalf of Highland Council and our partners it is my pleasure to launch this programme and begin the countdown to the festival.”
To find out more about Highland Homecoming and the programme of events log on to http://www.highlandeventsandfestivals.com
Ends
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: http://www.homecomingscotland2009.com
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