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Fourth round of Homecoming Cup
09/01/2009
Premier League teams take their places alongside lower league and non-league sides in the Fourth Round of the Homecoming Scottish Cup this weekend.
Tens of thousands of fans at grounds across the country will hear the Homecoming 'Caledonia' advert - specially voiced-over by Scottish TV personality Jenni Falconer - encouraging them, their family and friends to get involved in Homecoming events.
And 240 lucky supporters will be attending matches as ticket competition winners, part of the sponsorship package for the tournament.
Scotland's Homecoming celebrations
January 25 to November 30
A number of Scottish Government Ministers will be the guests of host clubs over the next few days.
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill is attending the Edinburgh derby (and taking part in the fifth round draw afterwards) while Children's Minister Adam Ingram attends the Ayr United v Kilmarnock match in Robert Burns' Ayrshire homeland.
First Minister Alex Salmond, who will be at the Peterhead v Queen's Park match, said:
"This is one of the most keenly anticipated weekends in the Scottish football calendar, when the so-called 'wee teams' get their chance to claim the scalp of the SPL giants.
"There are exciting ties right across the fourth round fixture list - the Edinburgh derby, St Johnstone hosting Cup holders Rangers, and the remarkable bringing together of Ayr United and Kilmarnock for an Ayrshire derby in this month of Robert Burns' 250th birthday anniversary.
"The Homecoming Scottish Cup is capturing the public's imagination, and we are delighted at the national and international exposure the event is giving to this year's Homecoming programme.
"Thanks to Willie Haughey's generosity, the Homecoming Scottish Cup is a prize that every Scot at home and abroad, and every friend of Scotland, should feel a share in. More than four million people, across 40 countries, watched action from last year's Scottish Cup, so the promotional opportunities for Homecoming 2009 are clear for all to see."
Ministers at matches
Minister for Parliamentary Business Bruce Crawford - Dunfermline v Clyde
Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism Jim Mather - Celtic v Dundee
Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture Linda Fabiani - Airdrie Utd v Spartans
Rural Affairs and Evironment Secretary Richard Lochhead - Inverness CT v Partick Thistle
First Minister Alex Salmond and Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson - Peterhead v Queens Park
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill - Stenhousemiur v East Fife
Minister for Children and Early Years Adam Ingram - Ayr United v Kilmarnock
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill - Hibs v Hearts (Sunday)
Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop - East Stirling v Dundee Utd (Sunday)
Health and Wellbeing Secretary Nicola Sturgeon - St Johnstone v Rangers (Tuesday)
Minister for Environment Mike Russell is no longer attending Falkirk v Queen of the South
The tickets allocated to the Scottish Government as part of the Homecoming Scottish Cup activation rights have been used as promotional / prize giveaways in relevant local press and radio outlets. Fifteen tickets have been made available for each of the 16 ties, with an overall ticket value of around £5,000.
Businessman Willie Haughey's financial support of £2 million to the Scottish Football Association over two years will enable the Scottish Government to use publicity opportunities arising from the Scottish Cup in 2009 and 2010.
This sponsorship arrangement will be used to promote Homecoming and healthy living messages over two years. The Scottish Government will then have first refusal on a third year of sponsorship.
The Homecoming Scottish Cup trophy tour started this month. In the week prior to each cup round, the trophy will visit towns where local teams are competing so that people can learn more about the Homecoming Scottish Cup and Homecoming Scotland.
Scotland's Homecoming celebrations
January 25 to November 30