SCOTTISH NATIONAL PARTY CELEBRATE 250th ANNIVERSARY OF ROBERT BURNS.

SCOTTISH NATIONAL PARTY CELEBRATE 250^th ANNIVERSARY OF ROBERT BURNS.

SNP members of the Scottish Parliament are kicking off Homecoming 2009 with numerous Burns celebrations across Scotland.

The group of 47 MSPs will be attending a host of events from Willie Coffey, MSP for Kilmarnock, taking part in the Burns Supper at Kilmarnock Prison to Stuart McMillan MSP, West of Scotland, playing the bagpipes at a local event.

South of Scotland MSP Aileen Campbell has urged her fellow MSPs and people across Scotland to take part in the World Record attempt at the largest simultaneous Burns toast; and John Swinney will toast the lassies at the Perth Burns Club supper.

2009 is the 250^th Anniversary of birth of Scotland’s national bard and Burns Night is kicking off the celebrations that run all the way through to St Andrews Day.

Kilmarnock MSP Willie Coffey said;

“Burns night is one of the highlights of our National Calendar and this year is even more special with it being the 250^th Anniversary of Burns birth and also the start of Homecoming.

Some of the events SNP MSPs will be attending over the next few weeks include;

Willie Coffey, Attending Kilmarnock Prison Burns Supper and Kilmarnock
Amateur Operatic Society

Aileen Campbell, Hosts a World Record Attempt Burns Supper, Sunday 25^th

John Swinney, Perth Burns Club – Toast to the lassies.

Stuart McMillan, Piping at three Burns Suppers

Fergus Ewing, Highland Hospice Burns Supper

Bruce Crawford, Stirling Incorporation of Skinners (the seven trades associations) Burns Supper

Alasdair Morgan, Immortal memory at Kirkcudbright Bowling Club.

WORLDWIDE BURNS TOAST BEGINS.

MSP Aileen Campbell.

WORLDWIDE BURNS TOAST BEGINS.
SNP MSP Aileen Campbell is urging her fellow MSPs and people across Scotland to take part in an attempt for the largest worldwide toast.
South of Scotland MSP Aileen Campbell who will be hosting her own Burns Supper to take part in the world record attempt is encouraging members to spread the word around Scotland for the “Worldwide Toast to Robert Burns”
From this weekend people can register their Toast to Burns to build a worldwide total – then on 25th January there will be an attempt to break the World Record for a simultaneous toast at 9pm (GMT).
Ms Campbell said:
“Across Scotland people will be hosting and attending Burns Suppers over the next few weeks. In this year of Homecoming there will be many celebrations of Burns.
“It would be an extra special tribute if the toast to the Immortal Memory of Robert Burns on the 250th anniversary of his birth could become the world’s largest simultaneous toast.

“The world record is a big challenge but one I am sure people in Scotland and around the world will rise too.
“I’d urge everyone to make sure their suppers are registered for the Worldwide Toast and that anyone holding their Burns Supper on Burns Night raises a glass to toast the immortal memory of Robert Burns at exactly 9pm.
“The toast doesn’t have to take place at a Burns Supper, it just needs to be at 9pm on 25th January so wherever you plan to be you can arrange to take part. Whatever you are doing at 9pm next Sunday - stop and raise a glass to Robert Burns.
“There are some rules for the world record attempt but with 462,572 people holding the current record I would urge everyone to check the rules, to take part and to make sure the Immortal Memory in the year of Homecoming is the worlds largest simultaneous toast.”

AS OTHERS SEE US.

AS OTHERS SEE US.

An exhibition to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns and the Year of Homecoming, 2009.
Robert Burns, Scotland’s National Bard, has an unrivalled place in the affections of the people of Scotland. He is also known all over the world. His birthday on 25 January is celebrated in Burns suppers, and the words of his poem ‘Auld Lang Syne’ is sung in a spirit of reconciliation and friendship at the last stroke of midnight on the last day of every year in every Continent. The poetry of Robert Burns, both in Scots and English, has become an important part of Scottish national identity. His personality, democratic and generous, has also become an ideal for many Scots.
The photographers Ross Gillespie and Tricia Malley have marked the Homecoming celebration by making a series of portraits of prominent Scots and adopted Scots. Each sitter has been asked to respond to a quotation from Burns, and to reflect upon the continued relevance of Burns in modern Scotland.
The resulting portraits and commentaries, brought together in this exhibition, make for a celebration of contemporary Scottish culture, and a reinforcement of the values and aspirations that found their perfect expression in the poetry of Robert Burns.
THE VENUES.
• 22nd January - 14th February
2009 Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh
• February - March 2009
Gallery & Art Museum, Inverness
• March 2009
Stanza Festival, St Andrews
• April 2009
Swanson Gallery, Thurso
• May 2009
St Fergus Gallery, Wick
• June 2009
Iona Gallery, Kingussie
• August 2009
National Galleries, Edinburgh
• September 2009
Duff House, Aberdeen
• Nov 2009 - Jan 2010
Scotland House, Brussels

Where and When

Start Date: Thursday, January 22, 2009
End Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Address: Touring Across Scotland including Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, Inverness, St Andrews, Aberdeen, Thurso, Wick and Kingussie
Region: Throughout Scotland

Contact Details

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

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR can be made larger and clearer by clicking on the graphic. Used in conjunction with the Homecoming Scotland events map legend it can be seen at a glance what is on and which event is taking place. The events map is at;
http://homecomingscotlandblog.blogspot.com/search/label/HOMECOMING%20SCOTLAND%20EVENTS%20UPDATED%2014th%20January%202009.
A quick look at the legend makes it clear what event is on and where it is taking place.

The events throughout the year courtesy of Homecoming Scotland.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND NOVEMBER EVENTS.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND NOVEMBER EVENTS.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND NOVEMBER EVENTS PROGRAMME can be enlarged and made clearer by clicking on the graphic. By using this in conjunction with;
http://homecomingscotlandblog.blogspot.com/search/label/HOMECOMING%20SCOTLAND%20EVENTS%20UPDATED%2014th%20January%202009.
the events map legend it can be seen at a glance what is on and where each event is being held.

The November events listing is by courtesy of Homecoming Scotland.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND OCTOBER EVENTS.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND OCTOBER EVENTS.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND OCTOBER EVENTS PROGRAMME can be made larger and clearer by clicking on the graphic. Used in conjunction with;
http://homecomingscotlandblog.blogspot.com/search/label/HOMECOMING%20SCOTLAND%20EVENTS%20UPDATED%2014th%20January%202009.
the map legend of events can be easily recognised.

The October events listing courtesy of Homecoming Scotland.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND SEPTEMBER EVENTS.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND SEPTEMBER EVENTS.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND SEPTEMBER EVENTS PROGRAMME can be enhanced by clicking on the graphic to make it larger and clearer. Used in conjunction with the Homecoming Scotland events map you can use the legend to see exactly what is on and where it is being held.
The legend map is at;
http://homecomingscotlandblog.blogspot.com/search/label/HOMECOMING%20SCOTLAND%20EVENTS%20UPDATED%2014th%20January%202009.

The Homecoming Scotland September events listing is by courtesy of Homecoming Scotland.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND AUGUST EVENTS.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND AUGUST EVENTS.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND EVENTS PROGRAMME FOR AUGUST can be enlarged by clicking on the graphic. You can use the events programme with the Homecoming Scotland legend map of what is on and where from;
http://homecomingscotlandblog.blogspot.com/search/label/HOMECOMING%20SCOTLAND%20EVENTS%20UPDATED%2014th%20January%202009.
a quick glance at the legend will tell you exactly where the events are taking place.

Events listing for the August Homecoming Scotland printed courtesy of Homecoming Scotland.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND JULY EVENTS PROGRAMME.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND JULY EVENTS PROGRAMME.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND EVENTS FOR JULY can be clicked on for a larger and clearer view. This listing used in conjunction with the events map listed at;
http://homecomingscotlandblog.blogspot.com/search/label/HOMECOMING%20SCOTLAND%20EVENTS%20UPDATED%2014th%20January%202009.
you can see at a glance the events legend.

Listing for the Homecoming Scotland July Programme courtesy of Homecoming Scotland.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND JUNE EVENTS.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND JUNE EVENTS.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND EVENTS LIST FOR JUNE.

Homecoming Scotland events list for june can be clicked on for a larger and clearer image which can be used in conjunction with the events legend map at;
http://homecomingscotlandblog.blogspot.com/search/label/HOMECOMING%20SCOTLAND%20EVENTS%20UPDATED%2014th%20January%202009.

Homecoming Scotland JUne events listing comes courtesy of Homecoming Scotland.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND MAY EVENTS.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND MAY EVENTS.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND MAY EVENTS AND WHERE YOU'LL BE.

Homecoming Scotland May events listing can be clicked on for a larger image. Using the legend map of events at;
http://homecomingscotlandblog.blogspot.com/search/label/HOMECOMING%20SCOTLAND%20EVENTS%20UPDATED%2014th%20January%202009.

you can read at a glance the spot you wish to visit.
Events listing by courtesy of Homecoming Scotland.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND APRIL EVENTS.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND APRIL EVENTS.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND APRIL EVENTS AND WHAT'S ON.
Homecoming Scotland April events can be enlarged by clicking on the graphic. Check out the legend map to compliment it at;
http://homecomingscotlandblog.blogspot.com/search/label/HOMECOMING%20SCOTLAND%20EVENTS%20UPDATED%2014th%20January%202009.

Listing courtesy of Homecoming Scotland.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND EVENTS FEBRUARY AND MARCH 2009.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND EVENTS FEBRUARY AND MARCH 2009.

Homecoming Scotland February and March listing with full comprehensive guide in the events map link at;
http://homecomingscotlandblog.blogspot.com/search/label/HOMECOMING%20SCOTLAND%20EVENTS%20UPDATED%2014th%20January%202009.

Listing courtesy of Homecoming Scotland.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND DECEMBER 08 - JANUARY 09 EVENTS.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND DECEMBER 08 - JANUARY 09 EVENTS.
Please note we will be posting each month separately to make it easier to take note of what is on and where it is happening. Each monthly events listing can be clicked on for a larger clearer image.
The events map with legend can be found at;
http://homecomingscotlandblog.blogspot.com/search/label/HOMECOMING%20SCOTLAND%20EVENTS%20UPDATED%2014th%20January%202009.

Events listing courtesy of Homecoming Scotland - Scotland the place to be in 2009!

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND EVENTS UPDATED 14th January 2009.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND EVENTS UPDATED 14th January 2009.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND EVENTS map updated.
By kind permission of Homecoming Scotland we have opened up the events programme for those with hand helds, mobiles etc.. The equipment which cannot open PDF files. All details and copyright are by their respective owners and have been left intact where practicable and where possible.
**********
The legend map of the Homecoming Scotland events can be clicked on for a clearer image. The map can be used in conjunction with the listing of monthly events throughout the Homecoming Scotland year which will be listed in the blog here.. We will of course clarify each event before it happens on the blog here and if you have any questions we do our best to answer them or point you in the right direction simply by writing in to the appropriate thread within this blog or contact us at freesatnews@googlemail.com

MAID OF NEIDPATH GHOST.

MAID OF NEIDPATH GHOST.

Neidpath Castle
Peebles
Tel: 01721 720333
The ghost of Neidpath Castle is said to be Jean Douglas, the reputed Maid of Neidpath who was born in 1705. The youngest of three sisters, she fell in love with son of the Laird of Tushielaw. When marriage was mentioned, he was sent away as he was considered below her station. However, Jane remained true to her lover and kept watch for his return from the lookout post above the castle gate. Her father relented, and her lover was recalled. Unfortunately, as he passed the gate he failed to recognise her and she subsequently died of a broken heart. Poems by Sir Walter Scott and T. Campbell have been written about the Maid of Neidpath. Her ghost has been observed within the castle and is described as having long black hair and wearing a brown dress with a large white collar. She seems to dislike sounds of merriment within the castle and shows her displeasure by banging doors with one tantrum being said to have lasted three days! She has the ability to pass through whole objects whilst obscuring others. Jean has been seen in the courtyard, along the cherry tree walk, in the laigh hall and her shadow has been seen on the eastern walkway.

Story courtesy of Visit Scotland;
more information can be gotten by telephoning any of the Visit Scotland numbers at the right hand side of this blog.

NORTHERN SOUL ALL NIGHTER - ABERDEEN BEACH BALLROOM.

NORTHERN SOUL ALL NIGHTER - ABERDEEN BEACH BALLROOM.

SCOTLAND'S ONLY NORTHERN SOUL ALL-NIGHT VENUE.

ABERDEEN NORTHERN SOUL ALL-NIGHTER 4TH APRIL 2009, GUEST DJ'S WILL BE,

KENNY BURRELL,

CHRIS KING,

COLIN LAW,

The Aberdeen Northern Soul All-Nighter will be organised by the Granite City Northern Soul club one of Scotland's top northern Soul Clubs which has a very large local membership.

The venue is superb for Northern Soul Music as it has a 700 capacity and even if all the patrons are up dancing all at once there's still room on the dance floor for everyone.

Aberdeen Beach Ballroom is run by Aberdeen City Council and is one of the very few remaining wooden sprung dance floors in Europe which makes it ideal for northern soul dancing.

Tickets are priced at £12 and the event starts at 10pm and finishes at 6am.

This event takes place around twice a year usually in April and September and because it attracts Northern Soul members from across the whole of the UK this really is one of the largest Northern Soul events held in the UK and one that is not to be missed if your an Northern Soul fan.

Any one Visiting the Homecoming Scotland 2009 event in either April or September 09 would be made very welcome at these events.


For more information on this Event please visit these two great Northern Soul websites,

Granite City Northern Soul Club. (Aberdeen)

Northern Soul Forum.

About the famous Aberdeen Beach Ballroom,

Over the years the Beach Ballroom has played host to an ever-widening range of events and functions. Functions of all description have been held here, royal visits, corporate dinner dances, graduation balls, pop concerts, fashion shows, exhibitions and conferences have all had a warm and friendly welcome in this unique setting.

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Since the Beach Ballroom was built early last century it has seen many changes but still intact is the dance floor one of Scotland’s finest – it floats on fixed steel springs which gives the dancers that extra bounce when dancing within the Ballroom. We can provide a complete catering service from tea and biscuits for 25 to a formal dinner for 600, included in this pack are our new menus and wine list. Also within the Ballroom complex are the Northern Lights Suite and the Star Ballroom that individually can accommodate a wide variety of events.

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Our Catering Managers will be only too happy to show you round and discuss your individual requirements further. If, like many people, you have been to the Ballroom several times over the years or indeed this may be your first visit, our attention to detail will make sure your event is one to remember. Be it decoration, flowers, menus or entertainment our experienced team will be on hand to see your event runs smoothly. If you would like any further information please give us a call on telephone number (01224) 655451, fax number (01224) 644905 and ask for the Duty Manager (Clare) or email us at beachballroom@aberdeencity.gov.uk.

SIR WALTER SCOTT'S GHOST.

SIR WALTER SCOTT'S GHOST.

SIR WALTER SCOTT'S GHOST still walks the dining room of Abbotsford House.

Abbotsford House
Abbotsford, Melrose
Tel: 01896 752043
www.scottsabbotsford.co.uk
This was the home of Sir Walter Scott. Scott died in the dining room of this house. A silent figure has been seen on rare occasions in the dining room and it is thought that this may be the ghost of Sir Walter Scott himself.

Story courtesy of VisitScotland;
tourist help numbers can be found on the right hand side of this blog.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND - FAMOUS SCOTTISH GOLF LINKS COURSES AND CLUBS.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND - FAMOUS SCOTTISH GOLF LINKS COURSES AND CLUBS.



SCOTLAND'S BEST AND TOP QUALITY GOLF LINKS COURSES.

No Trip to the this years Homecoming Scotland 2009 Event can be complete if your like many of the homegrown Scots and you love the game of Golf.

Scotland is the Home of Golf and many people know that Scotland invented this beautiful game and it must be said that most of the oldest Golf courses in Scotland has changed very little since the beginning of time.

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club is reputed to be the 6Th oldest Golf Club in the world and a few years ago the British Senior Open was held here where Mr. Tom Watson, one of the best loved Ambassadors of world Golf won this said Open Championship and was quoted as saying "Royal Aberdeen Golf Club was indeed the best links golf course he had ever had the pleasure of playing on and one of the toughest Golf tests he had ever played on in his life".

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club lies on the Banks of the river Don within the City of Aberdeen, Scotland.

There are another 4 Golf Links Golf Courses very close by including other famous Scottish Golf Links Courses, to the North lies Murcar Golf Club is about 2 miles north of Royal Aberdeen Golf Club and shares all the shame qualities of that Famous Scottish Golf Club including tight fairways that get even tighter if the northeast wind gets above 20 mph then you may be in an spot of bother.

Ten miles north of Royal Aberdeen lies yet another world Famous Golf Course, Newburgh on the banks of the river Ythan Links Course that continues to test the worlds best every day of the week.

In between the Murcar and Newburgh Golf Course lies what many will regard as the potential to be the "Best Golf Course in the World" that is yet to be built the "Trump International Golf Links Scotland" which lies in North Balmedie just outside the quaint Balmedie Village just 7 miles from the City of Aberdeen.

In Aberdeen itself lies 2 Golf links Golf Courses that are run by Aberdeen District Council these 2 courses can test any golfer to the extreme, the first is on the Kings Links and the home of the 3 very famous Aberdeen Golf Clubs, BON-ACCORD GOLF CLUB, NORTHERN GOLF CLUB and the CALEDONIAN GOLF CLUB all three of these private Golf Clubs are open through out the year and would welcome any golf visitor to the area and welcome you with open arms and friendship.

Then we have the Nigg Bay Golf Course which over looks Aberdeen Harbour and gives superb views across Aberdeen bay where you can see all the golf courses mentioned with the naked eye this is another Golf Club that welcomes visitors with open arms and friendship.

Each of these public Golf Links Courses are open year round and costs around $30 per round and are very well looked after.

If you require any information on these and around 80 other Golf Courses In the Aberdeen/North East Scotland area then please visit this Golf information website or we can be contacted here at freesatnews@googlemail.com where we will try our best to help you and guide you to the best Scottish Links Golf Courses in the world.

HERMITAGE CASTLE GHOSTS.

HERMITAGE CASTLE GHOSTS.

HERMITAGE CASTLE GHOSTS; SCREAM AND MOAN. MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS HAS ALSO BEEN SEEN AT THE CASTLE.

Hermitage Castle
Hawick
Tel: 01387 376222
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Open in the summer only
The ruin of Hermitage Castle lies near Hawick in the Scottish Borders. Hermitage has seen many border conflicts between Scotland and England and has a few ghostly tales. The castle was owned by many families including the De Soulis, Douglas, Dacre and Bothwell families. In 1342, Sir Alexander Ramsay was imprisoned by Sir William Douglas and starved to death here. His ghost is believed to haunt the castle. Mary, Queen of Scots rode over fifty miles in one day to visit her wounded lover, the Earl of Bothwell. A regal figure believed to be Mary, Queen of Scots has also been seen at the castle. Lord William De Soulis is reputed to have practised the black arts at Hermitage. Cries, screams and anguished moans are often heard in the vicinity of the castle which is hardly surprising given its troubled past. Click on the graphic for a closer view.

Story courtesy of VisitScotland;
tourist telephone numbers listed on the right of this blog.

GHOSTLY BLACK HORSES OF EARLSTON BERWICKSHIRE.

GHOSTLY BLACK HORSES OF EARLSTON BERWICKSHIRE.

GHOSTLY BLACK HORSES OF EARLSTON BERWICKSHIRE and a knight in black armour.

Sorrowlessfield Farm
Earlston Berwickshire TD4 6AG
Phone: 01896 849809
Email:enquiries@sorrowlessfield.com
This is a no-smoking house.

Earlston, Berwickshire
On a small spur of the Eildon Hills there is a strange mark on the hillside resembling a galloping horse and rider. About 200 years ago, a horse trader named Dick Canonbie met up with an old man in out-of-date clothes near this spot who bought his black horse. Several times thereafter, Dick returned to sell him some more black horses, receiving old but precious gold coins. One time he insisted on seeing where the old man lived, and was taken to a huge cave in the hills, which contained many black stalls of coal-black horses, with a knight in black armour seemingly asleep at each stall. He was given the choice of blowing a horn, or drawing a sword, and on this choice depended whether he died or became King of this strange place. He made the wrong choice, and was found next morning on the hills, able to gasp out his story before he died. No trace of the cave has ever been found but a strange mark appeared on the hillside where Dick died - a galloping horse and rider. Some claim to have seen the shape of an old man, and others maintain to have seen black-armoured knights on black horses.

Story courtesy of VisitScotland;
visiting Scotland? curious about accommodation?
telephone the number you need listed to the right of this blog.

DRYBURGH ABBEY'S GHOSTLY APPARITION.

DRYBURGH ABBEY'S GHOSTLY APPARITION.

DRYBURGH ABBEY'S GHOSTLY APPARITION IS CALLED "THE GREY LADY".


Dryburgh Abbey Hotel
St Boswells, TD6 0RQ
Tel: 01835 822261 Fax: 01835 823945
www.dryburgh.co.uk
The hotel was originally built about 1845, (although there has been a house on the site for many years), and was home to Lady Grisell Baillie. When the adjacent abbey was still in use, one of the monks in residence had an affair with the young lady of the house. The Abbot, on hearing of the infidelity of his monk ordered that he be killed. The young lady, on hearing of the monk's death, was so distraught that she threw herself into the river and drowned. She became known as the 'Grey Lady'. She has been seen walking across the
chain bridge and in some outbuildings of the hotel. The 'Grey Lady' makes her presence felt most when any changes occur at the hotel and there were many reports of 'strange happenings' during the time when the hotel was closed and the builders moved in. Click on the graphic for a closer view.

Story courtesy of VisitScotland;
comprehensive information can be gotten by telephoning the numbers listed on the right hand side of this blog.

SPOOKY SCOTLAND.

SPOOKY SCOTLAND.

Throughout the ages, there have been many ghostly sightings in Scotland. The massacred soldiers at Culloden Battlefield, strange occurrences at historic houses and castles, tales of treachery and eerie apparitions told throughout the years - these are the stories which become the magical myths and legends of Scotland’s ghostly past. The following selection of haunted hotels and ghostly locations to visit will provide you the opportunity for some ghost hunting. There are also some organised walks to hear these stories as you walk around the haunted streets in the search of phantoms, witches and ghostly spirits.

Stories courtesy of VisitScotland
detailed contact phone numbers on the right hand side of this blog.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND'S SPOOKY INFORMATION.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND'S SPOOKY INFORMATION.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND'S SPOOKY INFORMATION listing thanks to VisitScotland.
VisitScotland
Ocean Point One
94 Ocean Drive
Edinburgh
EH 6JH
Homecoming Scotland 2009 ; A celebratory programme of events across Scotland from 25 January to 30 November 2009.
25th January represents the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns,
until
30th November which represents St Andrews day.
With over 300 events already being prepared and many more to come Homecoming Scotland 2009 promises to be very special. With less than three weeks to go before the start of the Homecoming Scotland year, Scotland is getting ready for celebrations from traditional events to modern events, from well known Scottish music to modern pop music. Traditional annual events are being extended and special Homecoming Scotland events are being introduced. The city of Glasgow gets an early start on the 23rd of January by using the Chamber of Commerce building to have on a continual loop to the 25th January historical facts and video interests relating to Scotland and Scotland's people.
We thank VisitScotland for the listed stories about to be listed in the blog here and thank also those who related the different stories, where credit can be given we will do, and probably some of you will recognise either the ghosts personally or have heard something similar from your area.
For detailed Scottish information please try these well known websites;
For information on VisitScotland; www.visitscotland.org
For business tourism information; www.conventionscotland.com
For visitor information; www.visitscotland.com or telephone the numbers given on the right hand side of this blog.
The official Homecoming Scotland 2009 website; www.homecomingscotland2009.com

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND - THE GHOST OF LOUDOUN KIRK CEMETERY CRYPT.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND - THE GHOST OF LOUDOUN KIRK CEMETERY CRYPT.

THE GHOST OF LOUDOUN KIRK CEMETERY CRYPT hidden away in the Irvine Valley situated in Galston Ayrshire shown here has many secrets. Interred here are the ancestors of the Campbell family who once owned the imposing Loudoun Castle. My Grandfather who was one of the gardeners at Loudoun Castle is also interred within the Loudoun Kirk Cemetery.
The Loudoun Kirk Cemetery Crypt sits in a small area approx. 400 square meters in size tucked away in a quiet and beautiful area of Loudoun Kirk which gave rise to it's name from the turn of the century. Once a bustling and busy hamlet of a few houses where family's had geese and hens, fruit trees and most of the menfolk worked the soil or had employment from the local land owners. The single track road which snakes it's way back to Galston from Loudoun Kirk once had seven families sitting next door to one another in traditional family and Hamlet style.
The families have long since moved on but the Cemetery with it's old and creaking wrought iron gates still remain with the Loudoun Kirk Crypt standing just off the centre of the Cemetery grounds. Although very beautiful and picturesque during daylight hours, nobody, and I mean nobody ventures there at night.
To set the scene;
Night time brings a very strange aura to Loudoun Kirk and it was during one of my late jaunts in my youth I was confronted by my first genuine 100% ghost. I was busy looking through the gates with my friend pointing out where roughly my Grandfather was buried trying to see the small headstone in the darkness when in the background we both could see the distinct shape of a Lady with a light blue grey light showing all around her and slowly departing from the Crypt doorway and disappearing into the brick wall (which had no door) surrounding the Cemetery and not walking, simply floating.
The speed of my friend and I reaching Galston that night broke all known records, and we have heard many stories over the years about the well known Grey Lady figure who to this day can be seen either at Loudoun Castle or Loudoun Kirk Cemetery.
My scepticism got truly knocked that night, and since then have seen apparitions on three different places all having the heroic instinct to run, except the last time when it was a little girl which I will add and explain on our Scotland list.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND MOST HAUNTED PLACES TO VISIT IN SCOTLAND.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND MOST HAUNTED PLACES TO VISIT IN SCOTLAND.

SCOTTISH MOST HAUNTED CASTLES, CHURCHES, CHURCH YARDS, ESTATES AND ALL OTHER GHOST HOUSES JUST LIKE JEDBURGH CASTLE JAIL.

We have been getting many questions asking about places to visit that are said to be haunted while visitors are here for the Homecoming Scotland 2009 Celebrations.

There are thousands of places such as this in Scotland and over the coming months we will try and point you in the right direction to the best known of all of these most famous ones on these Scottish shores.

One of the most Haunted places I have visited has to be Jedburgh Castle Jail & Museum an 19th century Howard Reform prison with a local history interpretation centre and audio tours and is on the site of the Royal Castle of Jedburgh.

Jedburgh Castle Jail & Museum is run by the Scottish Borders Council and it is very easy to get there, here are the directions,

By car:

Within the town of Jedburgh. Up the hill from the town Square, going South.

By public transport:

Within walking distance of the town centre. Seasonal opening details (2009): late March to 31st October.

Opening Hours:

Monday to Saturday 10am to 4.30pm, Sunday 1pm to 4pm. Last admission 30 mins before closing.

Facilities:

Audio Tours.

Admission: 2009.

T.B.A

Contact: Tel:

01835 864750
(During opening times from March 09)

Additional info:

VisitScotland 3 star Visitor Attraction.

If any of the Scottish based Ghost Hunters wishes to supply information to be published on this Blog please feel free to contact us at any time?

ALEX SALMOND - HOMECOMING SCOTLAND 2009 - NEW YEARS MESSAGE.

ALEX SALMOND - HOMECOMING SCOTLAND 2009 - NEW YEARS MESSAGE.

The Homecoming 2009 initiative - with its 300-plus inspirational events across the country - will help Scotland turn a threatened tourism downturn into a visitor boom, First Minister Alex Salmond says in a special New Year message.

The video message was recorded at the National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh, which is hosting Zig-Zag - Paths of Robert Burns' exhibition until February before it is taken on tour round Scotland for the rest of 2009.

It begins with a view of the original manuscript of Auld Lang Syne, and Mr Salmond saying:

"Written by our very own international cultural icon Robert Burns, Auld Lang Syne is a masterpiece that is sung by hundreds of millions of people around the world to welcome each and every New Year.

"As we know, New Year is a time for family, for reunions, for taking stock, for looking back and looking forward.

"For many people, 2009 will be an enormous challenge, with the full impact of the economic downturn starting to bite.

"At times like this, therefore, it is even more important that we pull together as a nation. The economic storm clouds are gathering. But I know that we will weather this storm - and emerge even stronger, and well placed to prosper.

"That is why we are delivering our economic recovery plan to help families and business - accelerating investment in the economy, and boosting spending on fighting fuel poverty.

"It means more money to support families struggling to pay their mortgage. And it means £70 million available this coming year for local authorities to freeze the unfair Council Tax - putting much needed extra money in people's pockets.

"We need to ensure Scotland becomes a more successful country, mitigating the downturn and leading the recovery.

"As we enter a new year, a wonderful opportunity presents itself to turn a threatened tourism downturn into a visitor boom.

"Homecoming Scotland - the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns - will be a marvellous celebration of all things Scottish: Burns himself, golf, whisky, our proud heritage and Scottish scientific advance and achievement.

"More than 300 inspirational events will take place throughout the country and across the year complementing the vast range of world class attractions already offered in Scotland.

"From the world's biggest Clan Gathering in Edinburgh to the Burns-inspired Celtic Connections programme in Glasgow, the Open Championship at TurnberrySpeyside Whisky Festival, there's something special for everyone.

"Homecoming is a chance for Scotland's international family, and all who feel an affinity for our nation, to come back and reconnect with our heritage while also learning what being a citizen in Scotland in the 21st century actually means.

"I believe there is a spirit of optimism abroad that will pull us through the hard times, that will see Scotland take her rightful place in the world, and right now will encourage people to return to Scotland for our Year of Homecoming. Or, as Rabbie would have put it:

'For a' that, an' a' that,
It's comin yet for a' that,
That Man to Man the warld o'er,
Shall brithers be for a' that.'

"So get behind Homecoming Scotland and make 2009 a year to remember, for Auld Lang Syne, and for Scotland."

Source- snp.org

THE TURNBERRY 2009 BRITISH GOLF OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP.

THE TURNBERRY 2009 BRITISH GOLF OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP.


THE TURNBERRY 2009 BRITISH GOLF OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP.

Homecoming Scotland 2009 Events may well be into full swing by the time the worlds top flight golfers take the field in the Turnberry 2009 British Open Golf Championships start in earnest during the month of July on the doorstep of Robert Burns birth place in Ayrshire, South West Scotland.

There will be many events regarding the Homecoming Scotland 2009 that may over lap this greatest golfing event in Europe this year.

One of the biggest Events that month will be " The Gathering 2009" information on this what promises to be one of the largest events ever to take place when thousands of Clansmen with gather in Edinburgh's Holyrood park can be found all over this Blogspot, please use the search box within this Blog.

The Turnberry 2009 British Golf Open Championships are such an massive event and along with The Homecoming Scotland 2009 we will be covering both events on this Blog with where international visitors can stay in the local areas and places to visit while attending these great tourist Scottish events.

Although Turnberry Golf Course is an great and famous Links Golf Course on the west coast of Scotland most of the best Links Courses can be found on the East Coast of Scotland if you would like more information on all the Golf Course to be found in and around the Aberdeen area then please visit one of our siter websites here!

Tickets are all ready on sale and information can be found if you email at this address - tickets@randa.org

Please bookmark this Blog if you require further information regarding either the
THE TURNBERRY 2009 BRITISH GOLF OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP.
or for the
HOMECOMING SCOTLAND 2009 EVENT.