Scotland to Welcome the World in 2014

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.”