ABERDEENSHIRE JOINS THE NATIONAL HOMECOMING SCOTLAND FINALE CELEBRATIONS: THE BIGGEST EVER ST ANDREW’S DO

www.landofthestandingstones.co.uk

Posted: 24/09/2009

The Homecoming Scotland Finale Celebrations have been officially launched creating the biggest ever programme of events co-ordinated to mark St Andrew’s Day, Scotland’s National Day.

The spectacular programme has more than 40 events taking place across Scotland from 26 - 30 November 2009 and Aberdeenshire is joining the great line-up of events.

Aberdeenshire Council’s Arts Team has commissioned renowned local fiddler Paul Anderson to compose a new tune that captures the spirit of Aberdeenshire. The work, ‘Land of the Standing Stones’, celebrates the cultural traditions of the north-east and will be performed in a showcase concert in Inverurie on St Andrew’s Day 30 November ’09.

In Aberdeen City celebrations come alive at the Beach Ballroom with a traditional ceilidh led by the renowned ‘Shindig’ band.

Across Scotland celebrations will feature gigs, concerts and ceilidhs; fashion shows, fun runs, and fireworks; banquets, Burns and pipe bands; art, installations and exhibitions; parades, parties and debates.

The festivities across Aberdeen City and Shire are being delivered in partnership with the two local authorities who have developed exciting new events to mark the end of what has been a truly celebratory year for Aberdeen City and Shire and Scotland.

Jim Mather, Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism said: “This year, St Andrew’s Day is made even more special as it heralds the closing of a very successful Homecoming Year. November 30 also kicks off our Winter Festival leading on from a remarkably successful summer season and so gives us another chance to showcase Scotland as a great year-round visitor destination. We have an unprecedented programme of events planned around Scotland’s national day and I encourage all Scots everywhere and anyone with an affinity for Scotland to celebrate our rich heritage and vibrant modern culture.”

Marie Christie, Project Director for Homecoming Scotland 2009, said: “All over Scotland individuals and organisations are working hard to make sure that this Homecoming Year presents the most diverse and exciting programme of events ever co-ordinated to mark St Andrew’s Day. Throughout the year, Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire have hosted a fantastic Homecoming programme and we are looking forward to this exciting line-up of events for the Finale.”

A16 page A5 guide detailing the above events will be available at VisitScotland Information Centres and many other key outlets across Scotland and the UK. The programme is also available online at www.homecomingscotland2009.com both as a downloadable file and searchable database.

Further details of the Aberdeenshire initiative are available at www.landofthestandingstones.co.uk

Website link

www.landofthestandingstones.co.uk