This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Year of Homecoming plans take step forward
04/11/2005
A project director has been appointed to oversee celebrations surrounding the Scotland's Year of Homecoming in 2009.
Alison McRae will spearhead plans aimed at attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors - particularly those with direct Scottish ancestry and links - by showcasing Scotland as a must visit, must return destination.
Events will also recognise Robert Burns' enduring cultural contribution to Scotland and the world. 2009 is the 250th anniversary of the National Bard's birth.
An advisory board has also been set up with Allan Burns, director of Diageo Scotland, as Chair. It aims to co-ordinate the handling of the full programme of events in 2009 to ensure maximum economic benefit.
Culture Minister Patricia Ferguson said:
"I am pleased we now have a team in place that will work with the public and private sector to develop our ambitious plans for the Year of Homecoming in 2009.
"We want to encourage more people from overseas to sample Scotland
and our way of life. We have a great story to tell; breathtaking scenery, vibrant cities and cutting edge culture.
"We will also exploit Scotland's rich cultural and literary heritage with Robert Burns' legacy being an important hook for our 2009 plans.
Alison McRae said:
"I believe that Scotland's Year of Homecoming in 2009 will provide a unique platform for Scotland to take its well deserved place on the world's stage.
"We will be tapping into the emotions of the 50 million Scottish diaspora market both within the UK and overseas; encouraging them to come and visit their homeland.
"The project has enormous potential and I look forward to playing an instrumental role in amassing Scotland's supporters to help grow tourism revenues; change perceptions and make a real difference to the economy of Scotland."
Allan Burns said:
"I am delighted to welcome Alison to this important initiative. She brings extensive experience in the field of events as well as natural enthusiasm and energy.
"Alison's appointment completes the team and allows us to move forward with vigour to grasp the opportunities ahead."
Alison McRae founded tourism project management company Blue Toucan 5 years ago. She has fifteen years experience in product development; new concept development, marketing and project management in both the public and private sectors.
The Advisory Board - chaired by Allan Burns, Director of Diageo Scotland - will provide direction and guidance during development of the programme for 2009.
The membership of the advisory board is as follows:
- Allan Burns Director, Diageo Scotland (Chair)
- John Brown Head of Tourism & Architectural Policy Division, Scottish Executive (Vice Chair)
- Tom Cairns Chief Executive, South Ayrshire Council
- Malcolm Roughead Director of Marketing, Visit Scotland
- George Mackenzie Keeper, National Archives of Scotland
- Willie Dunn CoSLA
- Shonaig Macpherson Chair, National Trust for Scotland
- George Rosie Writer, reporter and broadcaster
- John McCormick Chair, Edinburgh International Film Festival
- Shirley Bell Chief Executive, Robert Burns World Federation Ltd
- Evelyn McCann Chief Executive Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire
- Tom Devine Glucksman Research Chair of Irish & Scottish Studies, University of Aberdeen
- Dharmendra Kanani Director, Big Lottery Fund Scotland
- Mike Cantlay Chairman, Hector Russell Ltd
- Gavin Hewitt Chief Executive, Scottish Whisky Association