Perhaps you're planning a trip to Scotland in 2009 or you've already visited. Maybe you live in Scotland and are taking a holiday at home this year or are inviting friends and family to take part in the Homecoming celebrations. If so, share your plans, your recommendations and your experiences here.
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I will be travelling to Dunblane with my family and most significantly my 3 Brothers and their familes. We are going to be in Dunblane on the 100th birthday of our Father, William James Wilson. Dad passed away 22 years ago but his legacy lives on and we look forward to retraces his steps in the town he called home.
Anne Huot Wilson | Ottawa, Canada
I came to Scotland for The Gathering in July. Not only did I walk with the clan of my great great great grandmother who was transported from Edinburgh to Australia as a convict in 1848 but I also stood in front of the house in which my mother was born in Leith, passed the church where my grandparents were married, also in Leith, and found the grave of my great great great grandparents and great great grandparents in Chirnside. It was truly a journey into my heritage.
Rosemary Miles | Perth, Western Australia
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
Spent three glorious spring days with 2 American friends walking in the hills around Strontian (Argyllshire). My father & his ancestors were born there, & I used to visit Granny as a wee boy, so there was a feeling of coming home. What a location! The whole experience was just stunning. On one walk we were guided by wonderful experts from Highland Council & the Forestry Commission. My American friends just fell in love with the area, helped of course by perfect weather.
Ian Thompson | Germany
My husband Mick from Newcastle found out that his grandma, Elizabeth Craig was born in Kelso. Our L.A. family is joining our U.K. family August 1st - 11th starting at Gretna Green, up to the Isle of Arran, Wemyss Bay and Glasgow. Then it?s Stirling Castle/Wallace Monument, the Bridge of Allan highland games and Loch Ness. We will crown our homecoming with a drive down to Edinburgh and the military Tattoo. Looking forward to the single malt Scotch whisky and sporting our Craig tartan!
Maria King | Los Angeles, CA USA
Renfrewshire Council has agreed to give our schoolchildren a holiday on St Andrews Day this year and will allow our young people the opportunity to join the country wide celebrations. In Renfrewshire we are planning what activities we will be offering our young citizens - I would urge councils across Scotland to follow suit - let's include our future generation in what is probably the largest celebration our country has ever seen!
Councillor Lorraine Cameron | Renfrewshire Council, Paisley
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
A weekend of activities to celebrate the reconstruction of the intricately carved 8th century high cross that once stood in our village. We expect visitors from Lindisfarne and possibly also from North America.
Ian Malcolm | Aberlady, Scotland
I left Scotland in 2003 to live in France. It has been an amazing experience and adventure bringing up my two little girls in rural south of France. But 2009 is the year and we are returning home! Some think me mad, but I can't wait for the rain, the smell of grass, to see sheep and cattle instead of vineyards, but most of all I miss the culture - the music, dance, language and ,of course ,the people. So, au revoir la belle France, but there is no place like home!!
Viv Kellaway | Scotland/France
My mother died nearly 6 years ago. There was always talk of a Scottish link in the family and unfortunately then I never followed it through. I have now dug into my mothers mothers family which is the COWPERs of Gogar. I saw the Homecoming literature and having found Scottish roots had the ancient family kilt made which I will be wearing in July in Edinburgh and my elder sister and her husband will be joining me.
Peter BAGGOTT | Lincoln