Homecoming event marred by bad publicity

The Homecoming celebrations of 2009 were first mooted by the previous Labour and Lib Dem Executive but were enthusiastically embraced by Alex Salmond and his SNP administration.

Despite attracting 71,934 visitors to Scotland at a time of economic hardship, the series of events that made up an ambitious programme of attractions were marred by some poor publicity over The Gathering's financial difficulties. The Gathering Ltd collapsed owing 103 small businesses 344,000.

SNP ministers authorised a 180,000 loan, which was later written off.