Thank you for registering to receive updates about Homecoming Scotland.Plans are now well underway to deliver a fantastic year of Homecoming for Scotland in 2009.Over the past few months the Homecoming Scotland team has been out and about covering the length and breadth of the country to encourage a whole range of potential Homecoming Scotland partners to think about how they can get involved and help create a truly memorable year in 2009.We are now entering the phase of turning good ideas and outline concepts into a programme that will inspire, excite and create a sense of pride in Scots at home and abroad.What better year to celebrate? 2009 marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, our national poet and cultural icon, whose message of friendship and Auld Lang Syne continues to unite people the world over.This week we launched a funding programme that will create one of the strands of activity to make up the years programme of events. The Homecoming Scotland Themed Events Programme invites event organisers to apply for funds to create new or enhance existing events that reflect the themes and support the objectives of Homecoming Scotland 2009. For more information on the funding programme visit www.homecomingscotland.comThe programme will run from Burns Night on 25th January until St Andrews Day on 30th November 2009. In the meantime, make sure that you mark the dates in your calendar and spread the word that Scotland is extending an extra special welcome to its global family to Come Home and celebrate in 2009.More information on what you can expect from the Homecoming Scotland programme will be launched in Spring 2008. Yours Aye,The Homecoming Scotland Team