An all-star concert to herald the opening of the
Ryder Cup, a huge flotilla to celebrate the 50th anniversary of
the Forth Road Bridge, Europe’s biggest brass band festival and a
thrilling re-enactment of the Battle of Bannockburn are just some
of the events that will form Scotland’s 2014 Year of Homecoming.
Around 100 events have been unveiled, with
hundreds more expected over the next few months. The five themes
for Homecoming 2014 - active, food and drink, creative, natural
and ancestry are all represented and visitors can look forward to
brand new events such as the John Muir Festival in East Lothian to
herald the opening of the John Muir coast to coast walking route
and a spectacular Ryder Cup Opening Concert, as well as many
existing events, including Hogmanay, Edinburgh Festivals and the
Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.
With millions of people around the world
fascinated by Scotland's heritage, diaspora and clan-related
events form a key part of Homecoming. These include around 30
events, including the celebrations to mark the 700th anniversary
of the Battle of Bannockburn, the Aboyne Highland Games, the
Inverness Highland Meeting 2014, the 10th Clan Munro International
Gathering, the Dunfermline Bruce Festival and Piping Live!.
First Minister, Alex Salmond said, “Scotland is
preparing to welcome the world during our second Year of
Homecoming in 2014. Next year, people from all across the globe
with Scottish connections - and those without - will come to our
country to celebrate with friends and family and enjoy the huge
programme of Homecoming Scotland 2014 events, offering something
for everyone in every corner of the country. There really couldn’t
be a better time to plan a trip to Scotland and join in the fun.”
Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland, said, “With the
Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles, the
eyes of the world will be firmly on Scotland in 2014. Next year’s
Homecoming will position our country as dynamic and creative with
a rich history and culture. The exceptional events unveiled this
week will celebrate everything that is great about Scotland and
will ensure that the world will receive the most spectacular of
welcomes in 2014.”
Golf,
Scotland,
VisitScotland
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