Tomorrow, the players of Tain Thistle Football Club, based at Tain, Ross-shire in the Highlands will play returning naval men of the HMS Sutherland in an exhibition match to contest the newly created Homecoming Cup. The cup has been created to mark Scotland's first Homecoming year, and to raise awareness of the campaign.

Niall Harkiss | Tain

Our family group of four have just returned from a fabulous trip to Scotland, which was a lifelong desire. We toured Scotland by rental car from the borders north to Thurso and over to the Orkneys. The memories of the people, places, scenery and events are so vivid and will remain with us forever! Visiting the farms throughout Scotland where our ancestors were born and raised was such a thrill and all four of us hope that someday we will be able to visit Scotland again.

Barbara J Andrew | Brandon, Manitoba

I am inspired. I was born in the year of Burns 200th anniversary (1959) and I just had to get home to Dumfries - I was also determined to get the Dover and East Kent Scottish Society involved and get global exposure. I hope Scots everywhere will use this great opportunity to celebrate Scottishness and extend the warm hand of fellowship and friendship we have become renowned for all over the world.

Graham Hutchison | Dover, Kent, England

I am very excited to participate in this unique celebration. I look forward to meeting more Scots from around the world! We're coming from California and will be joining our clan chief in Edinburgh, where there will be a clan tent. After the festivities we will then travel to George's estate, Finlaystone in Renfrewshire, for a clan gathering. We plan to be in Scotland for two weeks during which time I will be visiting with two cousins from Paisley and Ayr.

Virginia (Ginger) Thompson | San Diego, CA, USA

Our Hip Hip Homecoming happened in the Hall at Tullos Primary School. 2 classes from nearby Walker Road School visited and shared an afternoon of singing, dancing, poetry and drama with another 2 classes from Tullos school. A great afternoon of all things Scottish!

Trina Smillie | Aberdeen

We are very pleased to see the scheme come to fruition, and hope that the publicity regarding a warm welcome and the friendliness we generally see in Scotland during our multiple yearly visits, are evident to visitors. At least 50 Clan Donald clansfolk are travelling from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, America and elsewhere for the July Gathering. We expect to be in Scotland in May, July, September and December this year, all told, about 4-6 weeks.

Rod Allen | Fayetteville, North Carolina, USA

The Helensburgh & District Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society are running family ceilidh in September and hoping that it will be a sell-out like last year but will also attract visitors to the area. Running a Weekend School first weekend in April and hoping to have interest from dancers from abroad. A group from Ireland have already booked.

Anne Thorn | Helensburgh

My great grandfather came to the USA from Scotland. My father always wanted to visit but never did. I made it my passion to see where my roots began and last Sept 2008 my dear at age 55 came true. I now have an even greater desire to return and see more of this glorious country called Scotland.

Patrick Dunbar | Mission Hills, CA

Visiting Scotland from July 17 to August 2 with my wife and 2 teenaged children. We will be attending The Gathering, and my daughter will be competing in the Highland Dance competitions. We intend to see as much of Scotland as possible during that time.

Stephen Tweedie | Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada

Whilst tracing our family history, i found that my Gt Grandmother was a Scots Lass. She was born in the parish of Dreghorn Ayrshire. I intend to visit the Homecoming and also the Dundonald Games as my Gt,Gt Grandfather was from the parish of Dundonald. I hope to find family connections someware along the line.

Michael Dawson | Manchester