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Highland Heartbeat
04/01/2009
Highland Heartbeat, a popular Scottish music entertainment programme, will capitalise on the interest in Scottish culture and Homecoming 2009 when it airs across the US in February on the US 'free-to-air' channel PBS.
The programme, narrated by Scottish star of film, television and stage Brian Cox, will include the Homecoming Caledonia advert and will reach tens of millions of viewers.
Produced in Scotland, the show brings together singer and broadcaster Fiona Kennedy with an outstanding cast of singers, musicians, choirs, pipers and dancers. Traditional songs are played alongside contemporary works such as award-winning musician and composer Phil Cunningham's anthem 'Raise the Flag' and American song-writer Beth Nielsen Chapman's specially composed song 'The Kist'.
Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond has lent his personal support to the programme and recorded a message of support to be shown at the launch event in New York at the end of February.
The FM said:
"There can be no doubt that Scotland's Year of Homecoming is reconnecting people around the globe with Scotland and our great contributions to the world, and creating an appetite for more. With opportunities like this opening up in 2009, there has never been a better time to invite our friends and family to come back and visit the heart of Scottish culture.
"Highland Heartbeat is the biggest independent TV project to be staged in Scotland for many years. With stars such as Brian Cox, Fiona Kennedy and Phil Cunningham flying the flag for Scotland - it will be a great showcase of Scottish talent, on the same network that launched Il Divo and Celtic Women in the United States. It's also a fantastic example not only of traditional music but of the bright young Scots who are driving our heritage into the future.
"With location filming comprising about one quarter of the show, Highland Heartbeat will also bring Scotland's stunning scenery to an American audience. Together with the Homecoming Caledonia advert, this programme represents a compelling call!
"Already the 'I am a Scot' campaign has reached 95 million people worldwide and 75 per cent of people registered for Homecoming information have shown positive interest in booking a trip to Scotland next year. Now I hope many more will feel our Highland Heartbeat and return to join the celebrations in 2009."
Fiona Kennedy said:
"There is a real warmth towards the Scots all over the world, but particularly in North America where so many people with Scottish connections are keen to continue and reinforcetheir sense of belonging to Scotland.Music is the great communicator and one of the best ways to touch hearts, minds and souls whether Scottish or not and our production Highland Heartbeat will, I hope, resonate with many folk.
"The timing is right. We want to reflect the great talent and wealth of music in Scotland. We want to show what the Scots are all about."
The PBS network will show Highland Heartbeat on their 354 channels across the US. It will be followed by an extensive tour involving some of the musicians taking part.
The Scottish Government has provided £50,000 sponsorship to allow the broadcast of the Homecoming Caledonia Advert.
The cast is supported by the 60 strong Inverclyde Junior Choir, the Piping trio known as TNT and Dancers from the Scottish School of Musical Theatre.