This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Burns takes on Burns Homecoming
27/06/2005
Preparations to celebrate the 250th anniversary of
Burns' birth taken a major step forward with the
appointment of Allan Burns, Director of Diageo Scotland,
the world's leading premium drinks business, as Chair the
2009 Year Of Homecoming Steering Group
The steering group will organise events to celebrate
Burn's contribution to Scottish cultural life, and develop
plans to encourage Scots worldwide to return to Scotland in
2009.
Tourism and Culture Minister Patricia Ferguson said:
"Robert Burns is one of our greatest cultural assets.
His international standing is remarkable, and it is fitting
that someone of Allan's calibre has agreed to Chair the
steering group, which will oversee the development of the
programme for the Year of Homecoming in 2009.
"The Moffat Report, which was published recently, said
Burns was worth nearly £160 million to Scotland's economy.
Impressive figures, but I believe they can be improved.
"I am confident that Allan and his team will develop a
programme of events to ensure that there is a lasting
legacy from the 2009 initiative."
Allan Burns said:
"I am both delighted and honoured to be able to accept
this position. The 2009 Year of Homecoming is an ambitious
project which presents tremendous opportunity and potential
for Scotland.
"I very much look forward to driving the development of
an innovative programme which engages both local and global
communities."
Work is already under way to develop plans for the Year
of Homecoming in 2009 and to realise the full economic
benefits that Burns brings to Scotland. The Steering Group
will be supported by a Project Director and team, based in
Ayrshire, and by other partners, including the
Executive.
Diageo around 3,800 people in Scotland as the biggest
single player in the Scotch whisky industry. It operates 27
malt distilleries, two grain distilleries and a half share
in a third grain distillery.