Arts & Culture

Homecoming Scotland is a year long celebration to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, Scotland's national bard.

The celebrations commenced on the weekend of the anniversary of Burns' birth, 25 January 2009, and run until St Andrew's Day on 30 November 2009.

The main themes for Homecoming are Scotland's contributions to the world in the shape of golf, whisky, Robert Burns, great Minds and innovations as well as Scotland's ancestry and heritage.

A Scottish Government initiative, Homecoming is aimed at locals and visitors alike with a packed events calendar running across the year in all areas of Scotland.

Events in Tayside and Central Scotland

Homecoming celebrations in Tayside and Central begin with a theatrical tribute to Robert Burns with Gerry Mulgrew's production of 'Tam O' Shanter' at Perth Theatre on 29 January.

Another theatrical production brought Homecoming history up to date in a specially commissioned work 'I Murder Hate' shown at the Tolbooth, Stirling on 14 March. The work by Adrian Sherwood complemented Graham Fagen's photography exhibition on at The Changing Room, Stirling, from February to April which examines the roles of historical figures in Scotland's past and present.

Stirling devotes a whole week to Tartan Day from 31 March to 6 April. The Homecoming celebrations include pipe bands, arts, dance , film and food.

Scottish links to Polish history and culture are explored in 'Polish Spring', a season of visual art, theatre and musical events being held at Perth Theatre and Concert Hall from February to May.

'Big in Falkirk' celebrates its tenth anniversary on 3 May. The festival promises something special for Homecoming with outdoor theatre, music, pyrotechnics and art taking place in Callendar Park. Callendar House acts as the venue for 'Adventurers, Statesmen and Inventors', an exhibition that examines the global role of Falkirk locals. The exhibition runs from May to October.

The historical grounds of Scone Palace play host to Celtic rockers, Runrig for a special Homecoming party performance on 29 August. More music is on offer in 'Whisky Galore - A Musical!' at Pitlochry Festival Theatre from May to October. The theatre is also showing other Scottish-themed plays over Homecoming Year including 'The Servant o' Twa Maisters' and 'The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie'.

The Crieff and Strathearn Drover's Tryst combines history and walking in a festival that runs from 10 - 17 October. The festival features walks along old droving routes, photographic walks, a ghost and ghouls walk as well as the chance to take part in 'The Hairy Coo' mountain bike challenge.

Serious cycling is on offer in 'Etape Caledonia'on 17 May. This 81 mile closed road race starts in Pitlochry and makes the long route winding along the banks of Loch Rannoch and the high roads past Schiehallion.

Routes to roots are examined in a genealogy conference being held in Stirling 19-21 June. As well as the opportunity to find out more about family history, guided walks in the graveyards will take place exploring some of Stirling's past luminaries.

Another genealogy-based festival takes place with the Angus and Dundee Roots Festival from 26 September to 5 October. The festival features talks, workshops and music including a Burns Literary Weekend at Dundee University.