Whisky
Acknowledged as Scotland's national drink, whisky has been produced here for longer than anyone can remember. Something that began centuries ago as a way of using up rain-soaked barley after a wet harvest, the whisky industry has now grown into one of the country's biggest earners, bringing billions of pounds into the economy every year.

Golf
Scotland is known throughout the world as the 'Home of Golf' and with over 550 courses of high quality and great diversity, it’s easy to see why. From golf mecca St. Andrews to Loch Lomond, home of the Scottish Open, and Turnberry, 2009 British Open venue  

Whisky
Something that began centuries ago as a way of using up rain-soaked barley after a wet harvest, the whisky industry has now grown into one of the country's biggest earners, bringing billions of pounds into the economy every year.

Great Scottish Inventors & Innovations
Amazingly, for a country whose population has never been much in excess of five million, native Scots or those descended directly from them have been the recipients of some 11% of all the Nobel Prizes that have been awarded. Learn for yourself about the contribution great Scottish minds and inventions have made to the modern world

Ancestry
For every single Scot in their native land, there are thought to be at least five more overseas who can claim Scottish ancestry. For them, for you, Scotland is home. And, of course, there's no place like it. A trip to Scotland - a trip back home - is surely the best way to feel connected to this ancient land.

Robert Burns
A passionate, inspiring, forward-thinking pioneer of his generation, Robert Burns is regarded as the national poet of Scotland. 2009 marks the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns' birth and is the inspiration behind the year of Homecoming. 

Homecoming Events
Organisations all over the country are currently planning Homecoming activity and invite you to join the celebrations. From Orkney to Aberdeen, from Oban to the Scottish Borders, there will be a packed calendar of events and activities to choose from. Here's two to get you in the mood.

Burns Light
Part of the 250th Burns anniversary weekend celebrations, you are invited to join a warm and vibrant mid-winter festival in Dumfries. Burns Light promises to be an amazing spectacle, with lantern processions through the old town. Lanterns large and small, will be inspired by the works of Robert Burns, who spent much of his life in Dumfries and nearby Ellisland. The lanterns will wind through the historic heart of Dumfries, past Burns' house and onto his final resting place at St Michael's Church. The procession ends at the River Nith for live music, a traditional ceilidh and a spectacular fire show, featuring huge withy sculptures and fireworks.

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The Gathering 2009

Be a part of history; join clan members from around the world to witness Scotland's largest ever Highland Games in the inspiring Holyrood Park. Marvel at the athletes battling to win the 2009 World Highland Games Heavy Events, enjoy the skills of the pipers and Highland dancers and the stamina of the hill runners. Sample contemporary Scotland with live music, top-quality arts and crafts, and the best local food and drink. Visit the clan tents and find out more about your family. Watch the centrepiece of The Gathering 2009, the colourful Clan Parade on the famous Royal Mile, culminating in a spectacular Historic Pageant on the Castle's esplanade.

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