'Cringe' won't factor at Scots Homecoming

Published on Saturday 5 November 2005 02:49

THE cringe factor will be absent from Scotland's Year of Homecoming in 2009, the woman tasked with overseeing the celebrations said last night.

The event has been timed to mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, the national bard.

A report by Glasgow Caledonian University showed that the "Burns industry" generates 3 million a week - about 157 million each year - to the Scottish economy with two-thirds going towards tourism, mostly in or around Ayrshire.

Alison McRae, one of Scotland's youngest entrepreneurs, said: "My aim is to get 'Scotland plc' on board and promote both the traditional and the contemporary on the world stage.

"This could include golf, whisky, genealogy but also current trends in music and art. Traditional does not need to mean the old-fashioned cringe factor.

"One of the hooks of the project is Robert Burns, and this is a very important part of the celebrations.

"We will be tapping into the emotions of the Scottish diaspora market, both within the UK and overseas, encouraging them to visit their homeland." Ms McRae, 35, who five years ago founded Blue Toucan, a Glasgow-based creative management consultancy specialising in tourism and marketing, will take up her 70,000 post next month.

Patricia Ferguson, the culture minister said: "I am pleased we now have a team in place that will work with the public and private sectors to develop our ambitious plans for the Year of Homecoming in 2009.

"We want to encourage more people from overseas to sample Scotland and our way of life.

"We have a great story to tell; breathtaking scenery, vibrant cities and cutting-edge culture."

Allan Burns, the director of Diageo Scotland, will chair a 14-strong advisory board which will co-ordinate the handling of the full programme of events in 2009 to ensure maximum economic benefit.

Mr Burns said: "I am delighted to welcome Alison to this important initiative. She brings extensive experience in the field of events as well as natural enthusiasm and energy.

"Alison's appointment completes the team and allows us to move forward with vigour to grasp the opportunities ahead."