This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Burns to be tourist magnet
05/10/2005
Scotland aims to take positive action to ensure a long term future for the Robert Burns legacy , the Public Petitions Committee of the Parliament heard today.
The National Bard's status as a cultural icon will be enhanced by a package of initiatives designed to attract more visitors in the lead up to the 250th anniversary of the Burns' birth in 2009.
Culture Minister Patricia Ferguson told MSPs on the committee:
"Scotland's tourism industry benefits greatly from its cultural history, and Burns is one of Scotland's best known figures.
"His work is well known and loved around the world and presents an excellent opportunity for the promotion of Scotland as a top quality tourist destination.
"I have taken a close personal interest in the development of the 2009 celebrations. In particular, the Executive is working closely with the National Trust for Scotland to safeguard the future of the Burns National Heritage Park.
"We also recently announced £100,000 over the next five years to help the Robert Burns World Federation reach out to its members throughout the world in advance of the 2009 celebrations.
"And we have made available £150,000 funding for the Scottish Arts Council to support Burns initiatives, including Burnsong - a national competition aimed at inspiring a new era of songwriting in Scotland
"We hope to announce in the near future the appointment of a Project Director for 2009 Year of Homecoming, to develop a comprehensive plan for marketing Burns legacy in the run up to, and during 2009."