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Welcome to Scotland
18/01/2009
New 'Welcome to Scotland' signs will start to appear at airports around Scotland this weekend to mark next week's official launch of Homecoming 2009.
Tourism minister Jim Mather said:
"Homecoming 2009 will be a spectacular occasion with over 300 events and activities taking place across the country celebrating Burns and Scotland's great contributions to the world.
"Visitors are in for an unforgettable experience. These images will give people a glimpse of the spirit of Scotland whilst extending a warm welcome to those travelling from across the world."
The year ahead marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scotland's national bard Robert Burns and is being used as a focus to celebrate, not only Burns himself, Scotland's contribution to the world through golf, whisky, Great Scottish minds and innovations, ancestry, culture and heritage.
A Homecoming programme of more than 300 events, festivals and activities starts on Burns Night (January 25)and runs through to St Andrews Day on November 30.
And Supermarket giant Tesco has also backed Homecoming 2009 with branding in more than 130 stores across Scotland.
First Minister Alex Salmond was at the Tesco store in Inverurie on Saturday to view the new in-store promotions.
More than 30 Scottish suppliers are involved with the Burns/Homecoming promotion in Tesco which will run until January 31 reaching more than 2 million customers.
Tesco is joining the list of up to 50 major corporate backers of Homecoming - including Clydesdale Bank, Wisemans, Walkers and Stenna - with more due to be announced in the run-up to the official Homecoming launch next weekend.
Mr Salmond said:
"Homecoming 2009 promises to be the biggest celebration of Scottish culture, heritage and innovation yet, and I am delighted that Tesco has launched this fantastic range of promotional activity to support this momentous event.
"One of the most important aspects of Homecoming 2009 is corporate engagement. Indeed no company approached for support has refused. The fact that a major retailer like Tesco has decided to back Homecoming will help raise awareness, build enthusiasm and create excitement ahead of the official launch next weekend.
"I want everybody in Scotland to take part in and enjoy our Year of Homecoming celebrations before benefiting from the additional 40 million in tourism revenue we expect to inject into the Scottish economy."
Tesco Chairman David Reid said:
"At the recent 'Supermarket Summit' the First Minister asked retailers to investigate how we could support Homecoming 2009. I am delighted Tesco is supporting Homecoming throughout the year, including our events in our stores to celebrate Burns night.
"Robert Burns holds a special place for many Scots at home and abroad. Burns night is the perfect excuse for families and friends to host their own 'Homecoming', getting together to celebrate the very best of Scottish food, drink, poetry and song."