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Everybody's Coming to Scotland's Homecoming

This year marks the official start of Scotland Homecoming, a drive to create the biggest clan reunion in history. The entire country is opening wide its doors in 2009 to those of Scottish decent and to those who just wish they were...

Celebrating the 250th anniversary of native son and famous Scottish poet Robert Burns, the year-long party kicks off January 24 - 25 with the Burns 250th Anniversary Weekend across Scotland.

For the next 12 months watch for hundreds of other local and national celebrations sparking a national love fest. They include an avid search for Scottish family roots and Scottish culture along with special events and travel venues as Scotland expands with pride in recognition of its own unique identity on the world stage.

The signature event of the year happens during peak travel season — when The Gathering 2009 welcomes Scots from around the world to Edinburgh — for a parade up the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle for a spectacular weekend Clan Pageant in July.

Visitors can also look forward to other dazzling displays tailored exclusively for travelers including special editions of the world famous Military Tatoo and Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, and the World Pipe Band Championship in Glasgow.

In October, serious Scotch conossieurs naturally won't want to miss out on Whiskey Week.

The celebration ends, appropriately enough, with a week-long St. Andrew's Day Celebration honoring the country's patron saint in ...where else? - St. Andrews.

All told, more than 100 different celebrations are planned throughout the year from Edinburgh to Aberdeen and all points in between. Whether you have family roots or just wish you did, 2009 is shaping up to be a banner year for all things Scottish. Come join the celebration!

More about Scotland Homecoming 2009 on the Web:

• Homecoming Scotland 2009 - the official site.

• BBC News - Homecoming 2009 events unveiled

• Homecoming 2009 | A year of top whisky events

also see in Scotland Tourist Attractions -> Loch Ness | Scottish Castles

Scotland Luxury Hotels | Scotch Whiskey Tours