Welcome to Scotland

It is understandable, even traditional, for the host to be nervous before the start of a party. Scotland is no exception. The open invitation for everyone with "an affinity" with Scotland to come home during 2009 is a bold initiative whose ambition is both a strength and a vulnerability. Homecoming 2009 is underpinned by celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, the poet whose common humanity transcends national and political boundaries to make him the most internationally-recognised Scot. But it is equally aimed at visitors who want to gather with members of their clan at the biggest Highland Games ever held in Scotland, take part in a whisky or literary festival or play golf.