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Homecoming Scotland Finale Celebrations

Source: Scottish Government
Posted on: 5th November 2009

Culture Minister Michael Russell today unveiled Edinburgh’s St Andrew’s Day programme, a key part of the Homecoming Scotland Finale Celebrations taking place across the country.

Centred on St Andrew Square Gardens and linked to venues across the city, the 2009 St Andrew’s “Do” offers an assortment of free family-friendly activities and entertainment over the weekend leading to Scotland’s national day.

St Andrew Square Gardens will play host to a family festival on November 28 and 29 offering interactive, creative activities and entertainment throughout the weekend. Set in three tents, the St Andrew’s ‘Do’ will highlight Scotland’s achievements, key historical events and famous Scots; Scotland’s ambitions and innovation, including science labs, tree planting and Gaelic language workshops; the best of Scottish produce; and a packed programme of music and entertainment.

Elsewhere in the city activities include: a family photo challenge; a Scottish film showcase; massed pipes and drums parade; music and a ceilidh at the Hub with guest appearances by Dougie MacLean and Skerryvore, culminating with a firework display over Edinburgh Castle on St Andrew’s Day itself.

Unveiling the programme, Culture Minister Michael Russell said:

“St Andrew’s Day is a day to celebrate all that is great about Scotland – our culture, our heritage, our innovations and our people. This year’s celebrations will be the biggest and best yet, filled with more activity in Edinburgh than ever before and over 40 exciting enhanced and new events across the country.

“I want everyone – young and old – to get involved and “Do” something to celebrate our national day. With such a variety of events in Edinburgh and communities across Scotland – there truly is something for everyone to enjoy.

“I’m delighted that the very successful “Visit for Free” initiative continues, with many of our top visitor attractions across Scotland being open to the public across the St Andrew’s Day weekend. And let’s not forget our many friends around the globe with an affinity to Scotland who will be celebrating St Andrew’s Day along with us, from the 12th Annual St Andrew’s Ball in Azerbaijan to Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan’s Scottish Gathering in Sydney.

“These celebrations also herald the start of the Winter Festival season in Scotland, running through Hogmanay and culminating on Burns Night. Despite the global economic downturn, Scotland’s Festivals have continued to thrive and our winter cultural calendar will showcase Scotland as a great year-round visitor destination.

“Of course, this year’s St Andrew’s Day is particularly special as it is a key part of the Homecoming Scotland Finale Weekend. Throughout 2009, we have welcomed many thousands of visitors to Scotland, boosting tourism revenue and celebrating our culture. It is fitting that the Homecoming Year comes to an end with such a spectacular programme of activity around our National Day and I hope everyone will be inspired to get involved and “Do” something to celebrate.”

Marie Christie, Project Director for Homecoming Scotland 2009, said:

“All over the country hundreds of individuals and organisations are working hard to produce the most diverse and exciting programme of events ever co-ordinated to mark St Andrew’s Day and a spectacular finale to our unique Homecoming year. A huge thanks to all those involved in delivering the celebrations”.

City of Edinburgh Council’s Lord Provost, Councillor George Grubb, said:

“We are delighted to be working with the Scottish Government and the Homecoming Scotland team to make the Homecoming Scotland Finale Celebrations the biggest ever St Andrew’s Do. With the Homecoming 2009 Art Car Parade one of the major highlights of not just the weekend, but of Edinburgh’s Christmas as well, Edinburgh’s St Andrew’s Day event programme will add real value to our ‘Sparkle into Christmas’ extravaganza.”

In the capital, events include the Homecoming Art Car Parade; a series of special BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra (SSO) concerts for St Andrew’s Day; Burnsong at the Scottish Parliament; a Famous Scots exhibition at the ScotlandsPeople Centre; a programme of family activity at the National Museum of Scotland; and “What you see is where you’re at” at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, featuring a major new commission by Martin Boyce.

Events across the country include: A packed programme of traditional music events in Dumfries; Ceòl Nam Fèis 2009 in Inverness celebrating Gaelic culture with a host of former participants from the Fèis movement’ coming home’;,a musical feast in Glasgow with Homecoming Live and Shindig;, Dundee’s Homecoming Winter Light Night – a visual and musical treat set against a backdrop of street art, performances and storytelling, culminating in a fireworks display; Land of the Standing Stones in Inverurie featuring a new tune from renowned fiddler Paul Anderson; The Saltire in East Lothian – the birthplace of Scotland’s national flag – celebrating St Andrew’s Day with a programme of free events and street party. Whilst in St Andrews itself there’s an exciting mix of live music, performances and a major Son et Lumiere event.

There are also many events taking place internationally, including a St Andrew’s Day Ball in Toronto, Washington and Bangkok.

St Andrew’s Day, Scotland’s National Day, is on November 30.

The Scottish Government has committed up to £434,000 towards St Andrew’s Day celebrations across Scotland. With the same budget as previous years we are delivering more for our money with a bigger spread of events.

There are over 40 events taking place across Scotland as part of the Homecoming Scotland Finale Celebrations and many more around the world, creating the biggest ever St Andrew’s day celebration.

Many of these events are being run by local authorities who were invited to apply for funding towards supported St Andrew’s Day events, which was administered on behalf of the Scottish Government by EventScotland.

The Scottish Government is also asking Scotland’s schools to join in the celebrations; running the Scottish Universities St Andrew’s Day Debate in conjunction with the Scottish Parliament and the English-Speaking Union Scotland. Historic Scotland and the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions are again running Visit for Free where a greater number of visitor attractions than ever before will open for free. The Scottish Government are also working with Foreign and Commonwealth Office, SDI, Global Friends of Scotland and Scottish Affairs Office to support St Andrew’s Day events around the World.

The Homecoming Finale Celebrations take place from 26th-30th November. Regular updates on “doing something” for St Andrew’s Day 2009 are being provided to fans through social networking sites. See www.twitter.com/standrewsday/ and www.facebook.com/standrewsday

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