The Orkney International Science Festival will explore the long standing historical links between Orkney and Australia in Scotland’s first ever Homecoming year. Local residents are being encouraged to play their part by inviting friends and relatives to visit in 2009.
The Orkney International Science Festival will include a new element in 2009 ‘For A’That’. Australian environmentalist Stan Mussared will present the principles of the Eart Charter, which echoes Burns’ sentiments that we must respect all living beings on earth. The programme will also include Australian piper Ross Scott and the Kirkwall City Pipe Band, as well as spectacular images of Australian wildlife and scenery.
Inspired by the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scotland’s national poet, the international cultural icon, Robert Burns, Homecoming Scotland 2009 aims to encourage Scots and those who love Scotland to visit in 2009. A Scottish Government initiative, Homecoming Scotland 2009 is managed by Scotland’s national events agency, EventScotland in partnership with VisitScotland.
From Burns Night (Jan 25) to St Andrew’s Day (Nov 30) 2009, a country-wide programme of Homecoming events and activities is being designed to celebrate some of Scotland’s great contributions to the world: Burns himself, Whisky, Golf, Great Scottish Minds and Innovations and Scotland’s culture and heritage which lives on at home and through Scotland’s global family.
For full details and to sign up for updates and additional programme announcements or to send an e-invite to friends and family in the run up to 2009, visit: www.homecomingscotland2009.com
For event organisers looking to develop Homecoming activities, contact the Homecoming Team who can assist with advice and in-kind marketing support.
Further information can be obtained by contacting Rebecca McPherson, Homecoming Scotland 2009
T: +44 (0) 131 472 2408 email: info@homecomingscotland.com
