First Minister Alex Salmond hopes President-elect Barack Obama, who has Scottish roots on his mother’s side, will come to Scotland for the Homecoming Festival next year.

Mr Obama’s ancestor, Edward FitzRandolph, is said to have emigrated to America in the 17th century. According to genealogists, his ancestry can also be traced to William the Lion, who ruled Scotland from 1165 to 1214.

The Homecoming Festival, aimed at enticing expatriates back to Scotland, is being held between Burns night, on January 25, and St Andrew’s Day, on November 30 2009.

It is inspired by the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, and is intended to give Scots around the world an opportunity to reconnect and engage with their heritage.

Many who visit the Loch Ness area search for something that many think is just a dream.

This week - Mr Obama did what some thought was impossible and made many people’s dreams come true.

Maybe you too can find what your looking for!