Homecoming Scotland is a Festival Lasting for the Whole of 2009!
Please note that I will be updating this page at least once a week with details of up and coming events celebrating Homecoming Scotland 2009, so why not bookmark it or add it to your favourites and check back regularly for the very latest information?
Homecoming Scotland 2009 Contents
A look at what you can expect to find on this site
- These Are My Mountains
- What is Homecoming Scotland 2009?
- Happy 250th Birthday, Rabbie Burns!
- Rabbie Burns - The Bigger Picture
- A Man's A Man For A' That
- Rabbie Burns Items on Amazon
- Homecoming Scotland 2009 - Opening Weekend Celebrations
- Another Famous Scotsman was...Uncle Sam!?
- Are You an American of Scottish Ancestry?
- The City of Edinburgh
- A Look Around Edinburgh
- Alexander Graham Bell
- Another Homecoming to Scotland in 2009
- The Story of How the Scots Invented the Modern World
- Inveraray, Argyll
- The Lion Rampant
- Whisky - Scotland's National Drink
- Scotch Whisky as an Investment
- Do you have an eBay Account?
- Rare Single Malt Whisky Items Currently Available on eBay
- What is the Truth Behind "Braveheart?"
- Frommer's Scotland
- Kirkpatrick MacMillan
- Inverness
- The St Andrew's Cross
- Sir Alexander Fleming
- Scotland the Brave
- The Homecoming Scottish Cup 2009
- Please Stand for Scotland's National Anthem
- How Will You Celebrate Homecoming Scotland 2009?
These Are My Mountains
And I have come home...
What is Homecoming Scotland 2009?
The logical point at which to start this journey
Homecoming Scotland 2009 is an initiative launched by the Scottish Parliament to celebrate everything which Scotland and the Scots have given to the world, in this, the 250th anniversary year of the birth of Robert "Rabbie" Burns, "The Bard" of Scotland.If we were to attempt to list - even in bullet point form - what value Scotland and the Scots have given to Planet Earth over the centuries, we would require a very thick pad of paper, several quality pens and a great deal of spare time!
Join me on both a geographical journey around Scotland and on a journey of discovery about the Scots throughout history who literally changed the world.
Happy 250th Birthday, Rabbie Burns!
The event which inspired Homecoming Scotland 2009
Robert "Rabbie" Burns was born in Alloway, Ayrshire, Scotland, on 25th January 1759. He was born to poor but very hard working parents. It was his father who instilled in him the need and the love for education and although he was forced to start hard, manual work at an early age, he never abandoned this principle.When Rabbie Burns published his first collection of poems, "The Kilmarnock Edition," in 1786, he received what was then the very impressive sum of £20.00. This was the start of his journey to fame and when he published a further edition of poetry the following year, his life was changed forever.
Burns gave up farming in 1791, when he moved to Dumfries and obtained a job as an excise officer. During the subsequent four years, he published over one hundred songs. In 1795, however, he suffered a serious bout of rheumatic fever and died on 21st July 1796 - at the age of just thirty-seven.
Thousands of people attended his funeral and five years after his death, a group of his former friends met in the cottage at Alloway where he was born and held a Supper in his honour. Thus was the tradition of Burns' Suppers born.
The cottage was subsequently used for some time as a public house (pub) but in 1880, the Ayr Corporation bought it over and established it as the museum it is today. It is visited by thousands of people every year, from all over the world, his works still admired in a great many countries.
Rabbie Burns - The Bigger Picture
Find out lots more about Rabbie Burns by clicking on the link below
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Rabbie Burns
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Robert "Rabbie" Burns was born on 25th January, 1759 in Alloway, Ayrshire, in a small cottage which has since been established as an official museum. The occasion of his birthday continues to be celebrated around the globe, but most particularly here...
Rabbie Burns Items on Amazon
A mixed bag of Rabbie Burns and his works
The Complete Songs of Robert Burns 12 Volume Set
The title of this fabulous 12-CD collection perhaps says quite enough but it should be noted that this is a completely re-vamped version of the product from 2007. This new version includes a booklet containing details of all the 360-plus songs. The recordings on this collection took seven years to make and involved 80 singers and instrumentalists.
Amazon Price: $119.99 (as of 11/12/2009) 
List Price: $119.99
The Complete Poems and Songs of Robert Burns
The words or lyrics to all Burns' poetry and songs, contained in this hardcover publication of no fewer than 480 pages!
Amazon Price: (as of 11/12/2009)
List Price: $7.95
![A Burns Nights Supper [CD on Demand]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/5188PrPLOeL._SL75_.jpg)
A Burns Nights Supper [CD on Demand]
Only released in October 2008, this CD features Scotland's music, on Scotland's instrument - the bagpipes. It incorporates chiefly Burns classics such as "Scots Wha Hae," "Ae Fond Kiss" and "A Man's a Man for a' That" with other such classics as "Scotland the Brave" - and that not quite so Scottish song, "Amazing Grace."
Amazon Price: $12.99 (as of 11/12/2009)
List Price: $12.99
Heroes of Scotland - Robert Burns The Man and His Legend
This fantastic DVD, presented by Iain Cuthbertson, features Jock Ferguson as Rabbie Burns and portrays the struggles of Burns throughout his life, with his workload, his loves - and his battles with the bottle...
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 11/12/2009)
List Price: $9.95
Robert Burns in Stained Glass
Each one of these discs, 6" in diameter, are lovingly hand painted here in the UK. They come complete with chain, ready to hang. How would this appeal to a Scottish ex-pat, who may be your parent or grandparent? Quite a lot, I would imagine!
Amazon Price: $29.95 (as of 11/12/2009)
List Price:
Homecoming Scotland 2009 - Opening Weekend Celebrations
What's on around Scotland and where this weekend, 23rd - 25th January 2009
Although 2009 has been with us now for a few weeks, Homecoming Scotland 2009 doesn't officially kick-off until this coming weekend, when Sunday will of course see the actual 250th anniversary of the birth of Rabbie Burns. It is a date which will be celebrated in some style around the globe, in many countries where Burns remains revered, but nowhere more so than in the land from which he hailed. There are events scheduled to take place all around Scotland, so let us consider a few of them.Burns Light
The town of Dumfries was where Rabbie Burns spent the last few years of his life and also where he is buried, in St Michael's Churchyard. On the anniversary evening, Sunday 25th January 2009, a procession will take place by lantern light, through the town, past the house where he used to live and on to the churchyard. Subsequently, a ceilidh and fire show will take place on the banks of the River Nith.
Click here for further details.
Burns Illuminated
For the duration of this weekend, Glasgow's City Chambers, on George Square in the City Centre, will be brightly illuminated with a spectacular light and sound show depicting the story of Burns. The celebration concludes with an open air concert between 5.30pm and 7.00pm on Sunday 25th.
Click here for further details.
Burns' Ceilidh Night
On Saturday January 24th 2009, a fabulous, large scale ceilidh will take place at the Main Auditorium of The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
Click here for further details or call 0141-353-8000 for tickets.
Another Famous Scotsman was...Uncle Sam!?
Do you think I've had one wee celebratory dram too many?
Uncle Sam is seen as the epitomy of everything American. He is loved and respected by the youngest child and the elderly alike; his name is often spoken when someone is actually referring to the US Government. He is an institution in the United States and recognised and respected around the world. But do you know who "Uncle Sam" actually was?The gentleman portrayed to the right never existed - this is a variation of an artist's impression drawn when the United States entered the First World War. The real Uncle Sam looked quite different.
Samuel "Uncle Sam" Wilson was born in Menotomy (now Arlington,) Massachusetts in 1766 - to parents who had recently set out for the New World from the port of Greenock, near Glasgow...in Scotland.
Click on the link below for the full story.
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As Scottish as...Uncle Sam?
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Uncle Sam is often seen as the very symbol of the United States, even before "Old Glory," the Stars and Stripes Flag. Americans see Uncle Sam as the embodiment of their nation and their system of government and look upon him with fondness and pride....
Are You an American of Scottish Ancestry?
Display it for all to see during Homecoming Scotland 2009
If you are reading this wishing that you could come to Scotland to take part in this year's celebrations but find that is not possible, have a look at some of the merchandise in this brand new online store, especially created to coincide with the Homecoming Scotland 2009 celebrations.The t-shirt pictured right is just one of sixty-five different items which you will find in the store. They range from clothing, to caps, to clocks and lots more. Click on the link below to visit the store today and wear your heritage with pride.
American, Scottish and Proud
The City of Edinburgh
The capital, the heart...and the very soul of Scotland
Although I originate in West Central Scotland, I have always had a special affinity with and love for the beautiful city that is Edinburgh. There is a fire, a passion and a vibrancy about Edinburgh that I have never experienced anywhere else on the planet. The historical and cultural atmosphere is so substantial it can almost be cut with a knife. Where else, therefore, could I start any exploration of Scotland and the Scots? A Look Around Edinburgh
A mere few examples of the sights and attractions of Scotland's capital
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The Scott Monument, Edinburgh
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"The Scott Monument. Erected 1840-44 to the memory of Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832.) Born in Edinburgh, lawyer and ardent patriot. He won enduring fame as a romantic poet and the author of the Waverley novels. This monument was designed by George Meik...
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The Last Drop, Edinburgh
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The Last Drop is a traditional Scottish pub in the centre of Edinburgh's historical Old Town, to be found at 74/78, The Grassmarket, near The Royal Mile. It is a place of wooden beams, a friendly atmosphere, fine ales and quality food. The...
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Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh
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Princes Street Gardens, in the very centre of Edinburgh, actually forms part of what used to be the bed of a man made loch, called the Nor Loch. Drainage of the loch began in 1760 with the developing Gardens first being leased by the Crown Estate in...
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Arthur's Seat and Salisbury Crags, Edinburgh
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Arthur's Seat and Salisbury Crags are twin rock formations to the north-east of Edinburgh City Centre, in the grounds of the Royal Holyrood Park. There are numerous walks over and around these geographical features, of varying degrees of length and d...
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The Royal Mile, Edinburgh
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Edinburgh's Royal Mile is the impressive thoroughfare which connects Edinburgh Castle at the top of the hill with the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the bottom. There can surely be no other street in the world which affords the visitor such a diverse ble...
Alexander Graham Bell
A world famous Edinburgher
Alexander Graham Bell was born in Edinburgh, at 16 South Charlotte Street - just off the famous Princes Street - on 3rd March 1847. The photograph to the right (which I took in June 2008) shows the house as it stands today. Bell was educated in Edinburgh and for a short time in London before his family emigrated to Canada in 1870 following the tragic death of his brother from tuberculosis. He was an inventor of some distinction throughout his life but it is of course for the invention of the telephone that he will always be remembered.The site linked to below tells his story in far greater detail.
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Alexander Graham Bell
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The telephone is unquestionably one of the most significant and radical inventions and subsequent human developments of all time. It changed the field of global communications forever and of course the Internet we are presently using could never have...
Another Homecoming to Scotland in 2009
And a quite incredible coincidence!
I have to begin this section by explaining that my full name is Gordon Nicol Hamilton. Nicol was my mother's maiden name. I was therefore most surprised when, in the very early stages of researching this site, I quite literally stumbled upon a site called, "The Scottish Poet." I found that it was the realm of an ex-pat Scot living in Santa Barbara, California, USA, who was a writer of poetry, a voice over recording artist, a Burns reciter, as well as a former Glam Rock guitarist!...His name was Gordon Nicol.Unsure as to whether I would receive any form of reply or when, I decided to e-mail Gordon via his site to introduce myself and point out our commonalities. This was on 24th January, 2009. Imagine my astonishment when I received a reply the following day to tell me that Gordon had just returned to Edinburgh that very week after thirty years of living in various locations around the United States!
There is also a most touching story about how Gordon became involved with a group of orphans - quite by accident - from Africa, whose parents had all died from AIDS. Gordon has travelled to Africa several times to visit with them at his own expense and the whole incredible story can be found by clicking on the link below:
Gordon Nicol and the Rwanda Orphans
The Story of How the Scots Invented the Modern World
by Arthur Herman
How the Scots Invented the Modern World: The True Story of How Western Europe's Poorest Nation Created Our World & Everything in It
Do you have any idea how many modern inventions and discoveries are down to Scotsmen? Telephone, television, penicillin, radar, the steam engine...the list goes on and on. Arthur Herman examines how what was once a broken and bankrupted country produced so many individuals of such startling innovation.
Amazon Price: $10.88 (as of 11/12/2009)
List Price: $16.00
Inveraray, Argyll
One of Scotland's hidden gems
I have already stated that Edinburgh is my favourite city in Scotland but although it is a very difficult choice to make from many fine places, if pushed, I think that I would have to choose Inveraray as my favourite place. This beautiful little town on the shores of where Loch Shirra meets Loch Fyne sits among some of the most spectacular scenery Scotland or anywhere else has to offer. The journey to it alone, along the banks of Loch Lomond and over the Rest and be Thankful is breathtaking.Glasgow to Argyll - A Journey's Description
Inveraray itself boasts a Castle - currently home to the XIII Duke of Argyll - an old Jailhouse which is well worth touring, a maritime museum, several magnificent hotels where the food is excellent and very reasonably priced and much more. Click on the link below to read all about it and see stunning pictures of the scenery.
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Inveraray, Scotland
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Inveraray is a small, picture-postcard town on the shores of Loch Shira and Loch Fyne, in Argyll on the West Coast of Scotland. It is no more than two hours' drive from the centre of Glasgow, yet creates the impression - surrounded by the l...
The Lion Rampant
Merchandise to celebrate Scotland and Homecoming Scotland 2009
Lion Rampant Sweatshirt
Sweatshirt
Price: 35.19
Lion Rampant Teddy Bear
Teddy Bear
Price: 16.19
Lion Rampant Tile Coaster
Tile Coaster
Price: 5.59
Lion Rampant Infant Bodysuit
Infant Bodysuit
Price: 12.49
Lion Rampant Fitted T-Shirt
Fitted T-Shirt
Price: 19.99
Whisky - Scotland's National Drink
Everyone knows that...right?
How many people know, however, that whisky is not Scotland's original national drink? Considerably fewer, I would imagine!Pictured right is a bottle of my personal favourite single malt, Bowmore Darkest. It is one of the Islay malts, made in sherry casks and not so peaty as some of the south of the island's varieties, but a sensational taste experience.
There are records of whiskys such as this being produced in Scotland going back about five or six hundred years. No one can be sure precisely when it started but...
Before there was Whisky...there was Blaand!
Scotch Whisky as an Investment
It seems to be safer than banks at the moment!
There are people who have long since been investing in good Scotch whisky, particularly discontinued lines. As an example which I particularly am aware of, the Ardbeg 17 Year Old line (pictured) was discontinued about five or six years ago. At the time, the average price of a bottle was around £50.00. Prior to writing this paragraph, I researched what it is selling for today and found one option of £199.00 and one of £220.00!In these times of economic uncertainty, more people are turning to rare whiskies as an investment, seeing it as safer than stocks or shares. As these whiskies become more and more rare, they are hardly likely to depreciate in value, are they? Here is a link to an article on scotchwhisky.com for anyone interested in learning more:
Investing in Whisky
Do you have an eBay Account?
Are you familiar with how it works?
eBay is the world's biggest online auction site. It works just like any other auction, where sellers put up items for sale and buyers bid on them over the course of what is usually a few days. There are sometimes sensational bargains to be found on eBay or profits to be made on just about any type of item you can conceive of - including single malt whisky!Click on the name of your country below to complete the simple registration process, join eBay today and see precisely what I mean...
Australia, Belgium, Canada, Espana (Spain), France, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Netherlands Singapore, United Kingdom, United States
Rare Single Malt Whisky Items Currently Available on eBay
Do you see anything you fancy - and/or perhaps a bargain in the offering?
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
What is the Truth Behind "Braveheart?"
Who was William Wallace?
William Wallace is probably the most famous Scotsman who has ever lived, thanks in many ways to the 1995 movie, "Braveheart." Let me take you, however, on a journey through the truth behind the movie legend...-
William Wallace - Braveheart
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Whatever your own particular perspective causes you to think of William Wallace, surely no one can deny that he must have been quite a remarkable man in many ways? It was William Wallace who provided the inspiration and determination for the downtro...
Frommer's Scotland
by Darwin Porter and Danforth Prince
Frommer's Scotland (Frommer's Complete)
Frommer's Scotland is one of the most in-depth and informative guides to Scotland available to buy anywhere. Crammed with magnificent photographs of the beautiful scenery, it features lots of information on the cities, the towns and the villages; it explores the offshore islands; it looks at the castles, the golf courses and the whisky distilleries. This is the book for anyone who wishes to know more about Scotland and see Scotland as it really is...and was.
Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 11/12/2009)
List Price: $21.99
Kirkpatrick MacMillan
The inventor of the bicycle
Most people will have heard of Rabbie Burns, William Wallace and Alexander Graham Bell...but how many have heard of the unheralded Scotsman who invented the bicycle?Kirkpatrick MacMillan was born near Dumfries in 1812 and it was when he saw someone on a velocipede one day that he came up with the idea of constructing his own, similar machine.
His full story is contained on the site below...
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Kirkpatrick MacMillan - The Man Who Invented the Bicycle
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Kirkpatrick Macmillan was born in Coathill, near Dumfries, Scotland, in 1812. He was the son of a blacksmith and although as a young man he tried a variety of jobs, he finally went to work with his father. One day, he saw someone on a velocipede, a t...
Inverness
The "Capital" of the Scottish Highlands
Inverness sits at the mouth of the River Ness, a mere five miles or so from the world renowned Loch Ness. It is a small city, but a fairly attractive one, with both its castle and its cathedral located very centrally.Inverness is of course the perfect location in which to base yourself if you fancy doing a bit of "monster hunting" and more in depth information can be found via the link below.
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Inverness, Scotland
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The City of Inverness sits at the mouth of the River Ness - only some six miles from Loch Ness - where it flows into the Moray Firth. It has long since been referred to as the capital of the Scottish Highlands, though it only actually received formal...
The St Andrew's Cross
Scottish merchandise of a different ilk
St Andrew's Cross Mousepad
Mousepad
Price: 13.69
St Andrew's Cross BBQ Apron
Apron
Price: 20.69
St Andrew's Cross Calendar Print
Calendar Print
Price: 4.99
St Andrew's Cross Bib
Bib
Price: 10.49
St Andrew's Cross Cap
Cap
Price: 18.19
Sir Alexander Fleming
The Scotsman who discovered penicillin
How many people have been cured of illness around the world thanks to the wonders of penicillin? How many lives have actually been saved by it?Alexander Fleming was born in Darvel in Ayrshire (the same county as Rabbie Burns) in 1881 and died in 1955. He was honoured by being buried in Westminster Abbey in London, along with a host of other greats from various fields.
Find the story of this remarkable Scot by looking at the site below.
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Sir Alexander Fleming
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Alexander Fleming, the man who would later make one of the most significant advances in medicine by discovering penicillin, was born in 1881 at Lochfield Farm, near Darvel, in Ayrshire, Scotland, the seventh of eight siblings and half siblings. Sir A...
The Homecoming Scottish Cup 2009
Will Rangers retain the trophy?
Football (soccer) is a huge part of life in Scotland. This year, the Scottish FA Cup has been dedicated to Homecoming Scotland 2009. Here is the latest news on how it is developing...
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byPlease Stand for Scotland's National Anthem
This is officially the Anthem of the Country of which Scotland is an integral part
How Will You Celebrate Homecoming Scotland 2009?
Is it something you will become involved in?
Thank you very much for your visit to this site. I hope that you found something on it to make your time spent looking through it worthwhile.
Any feedback you have may be left in the space below.
Slainte!
kairog wrote...
Wow! this is great lens. I'm kinda thinking why not create the same lens idea for my own country Philippines. If I have lots of money, I will surely visit Scotland.
Posted February 04, 2009
Snozzle wrote...
5* lens and this is a great initiative for Scotland - a beautiful country. Must admit though that Rabbie Burns doesn't do a lot for me but everything else Scottish certainly does.
Mike.
Posted January 27, 2009
papawu wrote...
I loved this lens. I have had a great love and admiration for the Scots and their heritage. Kind of weird since I'm Korean , I guess. But, one of my best friends growing up was descended from the Clan Frasier and one of his great grandfathers was a member of the Queen's Own Highlanders. His family used to tell us many of the stories and folklore of Scotland and I have been smitten ever since. I happened to mention Robert Burns in my lens "Celebration at Edinburgh Castle" as well, so I am lensrolling your lens to it. 5 stars all the way.
Posted January 25, 2009
KimGiancaterino wrote...
What a gorgeous and highly educational lens! Thanks for adding this to All Things Travel.
Posted January 23, 2009
Find Out More About Homecoming Scotland 2009
Click on any link for further details
- Homecoming Scotland 2009
- The Scottish Government's official site upon the promotion of Homecoming Scotland 2009
- The Promotion of Homecoming Scotland
- I can't recommend the video, I'm afraid, but there is a lot of pertinent other information.
- Visit Britain
- A look at Homecoming Scotland from our national point of view.
by Gordon_Hamilton
My name is Gordon Hamilton and I live in the United Kingdom. As well as writing on Squidoo, I am the Food and Drink Channel Steward on Helium.com. I a...
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