THE ROYAL SCOTS DRAGOON GUARDS PARADE IN GLASGOW.

THE ROYAL SCOTS DRAGOON GUARDS PARADE IN GLASGOW.

The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards have marched through Glasgow to thank the Scottish people for their support during tours of Iraq and Afghanistan.

It was their first parade in the city since the Royal Scots Greys, their antecedent regiment, left for the South African War in 1899.

There was also a display of armoured vehicles in the city's George Square.

Scotland's only cavalry regiment is back in Scotland for the Year of Homecoming.

The regiment, which is normally based in Fallingbostel in Germany, is carrying out royal guard duties on its first return to Scotland in eight years.

The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards was formed in 1971 from the Royal Scots Greys and the 3rd Carabiniers. The regimental headquarters and museum are still at Edinburgh Castle.

Pipes and drums

Its soldiers have been deployed on all major operations, including the Gulf war, Bosnia and Kosovo.

It was the first regiment in the British army to use the Challenger 2 battle tank and the first to fire its guns against the enemy in Iraq in 2003.

About 150 soldiers paraded through the city along with the Brit Award-winning pipes and drums.

Special guests of the regiment included Glasgow's deputy lord provost and Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy.

Full story at;

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8142985.stm

GOLF'S GREATEST PRIZE - THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

GOLF'S GREATEST PRIZE - THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

The Open Championship
Scotland is recognised as the birthplace of Golf and The Open Championship will provide one of the focal points for the year of Homecoming in 2009. The 138th staging of The Open Championship, golf's oldest major, will find The Champion Golfer of the Year in 2009 at Turnberry. The venue is legendary for golf fans, recalling the famed Duel in the Sun in 1977 when Tom Watson finally triumphed over Jack Nicklaus on the 72nd and final hole of the Championship.

Enjoy Homecoming Day, the final practice day (Wednesday 15th July) at Turnberry and roam the course prior to the start of the famous Open Championship. Try your luck at our Homecoming putting competition or get close to the Claret Jug and give yourself a lasting memory of the day.

The Claret Jug is without doubt the most famous trophy in the game of golf. Commissioned in 1872 but completed in 1873, this elegant trophy – officially called the Golf Champion Trophy – was first presented to Tom Kidd, the 1873 champion, but Kidd was not the first name to be inscribed on it. That honour went to Young Tom Morris, the 1872 champion, even though the trophy had not been completed when he won the event.

Where and When
Start Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2009
End Date: Sunday, July 19, 2009
Address: Ailsa Course, Turnberry Resort
Postcode: KA26 9LT
Local Authority Area: South Ayrshire
Region: West Central Scotland

Contact Details
Official Event Website:
http://www.opengolf.com

Tickets

http://www.randa.org/bibitopentickets

HEBRIDEAN CELTIC FESTIVAL - FEIS CHEILTEACH INNSE GALL

HEBRIDEAN CELTIC FESTIVAL - FEIS CHEILTEACH INNSE GALL

THE HEBRIDEAN CELTIC FESTIVAL HOMECOMING SCOTLAND CELEBRATION STARTS ON THE 15TH JULY - 18TH JULY 2009.

An amazing four day festival set against a unique cultural backdrop.

Surrounded by stunning scenery, amidst a hugely welcoming community, we invite all to the 14th annual Hebcelt party!

Join us for this year's celebrations...
Website information;
http://www.hebceltfest.com/

HIGHLAND GAMES EXTRAVAGANZA - HOMECOMING SCOTLAND CELEBRATIONS

HIGHLAND GAMES EXTRAVAGANZA - HOMECOMING SCOTLAND CELEBRATIONS

Bridge of Allan, Callander, Killin, Lochearnhead

Situated in spectacular settings, the Stirling area plays host to an annual selection of high quality Highland Games throughout the summer months. The games offer a full athletics programme, including heavyweight competitions, highland dance performances and competitions, pipers and tug-of-war with several events featuring family funfairs too.

Locations and dates:

Callander International Highland Games - 25-26 July
Lochearnhead Highland Games - 25 July
Killin Highland Games - 29 July
Bridge of Allan Highland Games - 2 August

Where and When

Start Date: Saturday, July 25, 2009
End Date: Sunday, August 02, 2009
Address: Bridge of Allan, Callander, Killin and Lochearnhead
Local Authority Area: Stirling
Region: East Central Scotland

Contact Details

Official Event Website:
http://www.visitstirling.org

CLASSIC MALTS CRUISE - HOMECOMING SCOTLAND CELEBRATIONS

CLASSIC MALT CRUISES - HOMECOMING SCOTLAND CELEBRATIONS


The annual Classic Malts™ Cruise attracts sailors from around the world to the famous scenery and distilleries of Scotland's West Coast. From Oban to Talisker, and back south to Lagavulin, the sheltered sites of the distilleries remain a welcoming haven and places of great hospitality for sailors.

Where and When
Start Date: Saturday, July 11, 2009
End Date: Saturday, July 25, 2009
Address: Oban, Skye and Islay
Local Authority Area: Highland
Region: Highlands and Islands

Contact Details
Official Event Website:
http://www.worldcruising.com/classicmaltscruise

ALVA GAMES CLACKMANNANSHIRE.

The Famous Alva Games.

The Famous Alva Games, the last surviving games and sports in Clackmannanshire, is proud to support Homecoming. Attracting visitors from all over the globe, the games consist of the traditional events including cycling, highland dancing, heavy weight events and the crowning glory - four hill races run over Torry.

Where and When

Start Date: Saturday, July 11, 2009
End Date: Saturday, July 11, 2009
Address: Johnstone Park, Alva
Local Authority Area: Clackmannanshire
Region: East Central Scotland

Contact Details

Official Event Website:
http://www.alvagames.co.uk

T IN THE PARK - TAYSIDE

T IN THE PARK - TAYSIDE

Scotland's biggest music festival hosts a spectacularly eclectic bill of over 180 home-grown and international artists who play over 12 stages. Add in 80,000 of the best music fans in the world, four days of entertainment, gastronomic delights and you have the ingredients for a very special Homecoming event indeed.

Where and When

Start Date: Friday, July 10, 2009
End Date: Sunday, July 12, 2009
Address: Balado Airstrip
Local Authority Area: Perth and Kinross
Region: Tayside

Contact Details

Official Event Website:
http://www.tinthepark.com
Phone: 08444 999990