Homecoming Highlands
Homecoming Scotland 2009 an events programme celebrating Scotland’s great contributions to the world. In 2009 join us to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns’ birth, Scottish contributions to golf and whisky, our great minds and innovations, and our rich culture and heritage. 2009 will be a special year with many special events focussing on Scottish ancestry, traditions and culture. In this special year of Homecoming, find out more about your ancestors and your heritage to make your own homecoming a dynamic and exciting experience. We look forward to welcoming you home in 2009
Highland Homecoming - ur beatha dhan dùthaich!
19 - 31 October 2009
Various venues
Highland Homecoming – ur beatha dhan dùthaich! is one of the
highlights of the Highlands’ contribution to the Homecoming Scotland
celebrations. From 19 to 31 October a fantastic programme of cultural events
will explore and celebrate the way Scots have shaped countries and communities
around the world.
Look out for a programme that includes arts, music, theatre, spectacular projections, archaeology and informal talks and seminars, all with a Homecoming theme, in addition to special exhibitions telling the stories of the people who lived in and emigrated from the area over the centuries.
Scotland’s Global Impact - how one small nation changed the
world!
Buaidh Chruinneil na h-Alba – mar a dh’atharraich aon dùthaich
bheag an saoghal!
22 - 24 October 2009
Eden Court Theatre, Inverness.
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT AVAILABLE ON ALL TICKETS BOOKED ON OR BEFORE 31 MAY 2009 - BOOK NOW!
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to understand Scotland’s present and future from its past!
Over the centuries, hundreds of thousands of Scots have set sail for distant shores, determined to test their strength, wits and capacity for invention in locations as far-flung as Australia and New Zealand, America and Canada. This major international conference explores the Scottish contribution to countries and communities all around the world – and tells the story of a people full of the spirit of adventure, and a passionate love of the country they still call home.
Further information and booking at: www.scotlandsglobalimpact.com
Events across the Highlands throughout the year
Through its Highland Culture Programme of grants, The Highland Council is helping to enhance the Homecoming Scotland celebrations in the area by supporting events, festivals and other cultural events organised by community organisations, promoters, artists, performers, youth groups and schools.
Homecoming Scotland 2009 - Highlights in the Highlands
Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running
4 October
Run Home to Scotland in 2009 and take part in the Run Home Breakfast
Run and the Run Home Clan Challenge - two exciting new events as part
of the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running to celebrate
the year of Homecoming Scotland.
http://www.lochnessmarathon.com
Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival
7 & 8 August
Now in its sixth year, Belladrum is an eagerly anticipated landmark
in the Scottish festival calendar. This family-friendly yet eccentric
weekend aims to reunite Homecoming Highlanders in spectacular surroundings,
at the same time putting on an eclectic line up of music and performing
arts, including Burns and a’ that.
http://www.tartanheartfestival.co.uk
Blas Festival
4 to 12 September
A warm welcome awaits you in the Highlands for the 2009 Blas Festival.
Blas is the Gaelic word for ‘taste’ and the 2009 festival
promises an authentic flavour of Highland culture. Blas boasts a vast
programme of traditional music and events, staged in some of Scotland’s
most spectacular and iconic landscapes.
http://www.blas-festival.co.uk
Culloden Battlefield: From Battle to Exile
9 & 10 May
Culloden is the battlefield that connects us intimately with our ancestors.
The National Trust for Scotland hosts a weekend programme of events
for Homecoming year at Scotland’s exciting new visitor centre.
Watch the experiences of Scots come alive through costumed presentations
of the battle and the years in exile, music and a new character station
battlefield tour.
http://www.nts.org.uk
Masters World Championships & Inverness Highland Games
18 & 19 July
Join us at the spectacular Inverness Highland Games for the Masters
World Championships. As part of the Homecoming celebrations the Highland
Capital will welcome over 100 Veteran Heavies to the famous Bught Park
Arena on the banks of the River Ness. Come and be part of history at
the home of Highland Games.
http://www.invernesshighlandgames.com
The Crossing
16 to 20 June
A Celebration of the Caledonian Canal to mark the Caledonian’s
historic innovative engineering, its contribution to Scottish history
and its place in the story of the Scottish Enlightenment. A flotilla
travels the entire length of the canal from Fort William to Inverness,
highlighting the drama of canal navigation and the many influences
on Highland life, through song, musical interludes, story telling and
dance.
http://www.thecrossing2009.com
The Outsider
27 & 28 June
The Outsider, Scotland’s groundbreaking open-air festival makes
a welcome return in 2009. Combining music with a range of outdoor activities
and the beautiful surroundings of the Cairngorm National Park, The
Outsider will include a Homecoming Forum of distinguished international
guests to reflect Scotland’s long-running innovative engagement
with landscape, conservation and the environment.
http://www.outsiderfestival.co.uk