Homecoming gets boost as 44 more events sign up

Published on Saturday 4 July 2009 19:54

THE year-long Homecoming celebrations were given a boost yesterday when First Minister Alex Salmond announced another 44 events, including the Edinburgh Mela festival, an ice hockey competition and a clan gathering.

Salmond flagged the additions at the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival in Portsoy, Banffshire. "This latest guide showcases the fantastic array of events and activities taking place that aim to excite and engage everyone who has an affinity for Scotland and entice them to come 'home' and join the celebrations."

All the events link to key Scots themes, such as Robert Burns, whisky and golf.

The government said the celebrations had seen record attendances at the Aye Write Book Festival, StAnza International Poetry Festival, the Glasgow International Comedy Festival and the Royal Highland Show. More than 400 events feature under the Homecoming banner, which coincides with the 250th anniversary of Burns' birth.