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British-Irish Council
26/09/2008
Members of the British-Irish Council have today been invited by the First Minister to return to Scotland for Homecoming 2009.
As host of the British-Irish Council Summit meeting today, the First Minister invited leaders representing the UK, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales, Jersey and Guernsey and the Isle of Man to return for Homecoming 2009, which is a year-long celebration of the 250th anniversary of the birth of our national poet Robert Burns.
The ever expanding programme of over 100 events has been organised around five main themes - the Bard himself, Whisky, Golf, Great Scottish Minds and Innovations and Scotland's culture and heritage.
The First Minister invited leaders to Scotland for highlights of the programme, including the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Celtic Connections and World Burns Night.
The British-Irish Council also enjoyed a preview of the musical talent lined-up for the 2009 Celtic Connections Festival as The Paul McKenna Band performed for delegates at Hopetoun House, South Queensferry.
First Minister Alex Salmond said:
"With the Year of Homecoming fast approaching, I am very pleased to invite leaders of the British-Irish Council back to Scotland to enjoy what promises to be a fantastic celebration of Scotland's great contribution to the world.
"As this is the first time the Taoiseach has visited Scotland I would be delighted if he could return and experience some of the programme highlights, such as the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Celtic Connections or World Burns Night.
"The 2009 Tattoos will feature specially commissioned arrangements within a Burns themed production, Celtic Connections will honour the influence of Burns on Scottish music while World Burns Night will be a celebration of his international legacy.
"Scottish culture is loved and celebrated across the world, with an estimated 100 million people across the world claiming Scots ancestry and many more with ties of friendship.
"The Homecoming programme reflects the diversity of the Scottish family and the international bonds that define modern Scotland.
"This is going to be the biggest celebration of Scotland's achievements, culture and our ties of family and friendship around the world. I have extended this invitation to leaders of the British-Irish Council and indeed the many people that they represent.
"I am keen for anyone with an interest in Scotland to visit us as part of Homecoming 2009 - it promises to be a national celebration that is not to be missed!"
Scotland's Homecoming celebrations will run from Burns Night (January 25) to St Andrew's Day (November 30) 2009, across more than 50 locations.
The British-Irish Council is holding its first full meeting to be held in Scotland today at Hopetoun House at South Queensferry.
It is Brian Cowens first visit to Scotland as An Taoiseach. Secretary of State for Wales Paul Murphy represents the UK Government. Delegates include First Minister of Northern Ireland Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland Martin McGuinness. Chief Minister of Guernsey Lyndon Trott will also attend his first BIC meeting.