Homecoming Scotland

Homecoming Scotland 2009 will be celebrated countrywide from Jan. 25 (the 250th birthday of poet Robert Burns and a national holiday) to Nov. 30 (St. Andrew’s Day, this year featuring Scottish music from folk to contemporary).

Burns Night is annually marked with poems, music and haggis. Glasgow will have the Celtic Connections winter music festival.

In the Spirit of Speyside Festival, May 1-10, the Scotch whisky industry will host events, tastings and residential whisky courses.

The Gathering, July 25-26, will mark the largest Clan Gathering ever held on Scottish soil. Highland Games will be held in Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park and there will be a Historic Clan Pageant beneath Edinburgh Castle.

The Edinburgh Military Tattoo is Aug. 7-30.

Visit www.homecomingscotland 2009.com. For vacation packages, visit www.cometoscotland.com. Those with Scottish roots wishing to trace their family can log onto www.ancestralscotland.com.