Scotland is gearing up for the “Year of Homecoming” in 2009 for the biggest ever celebration of Scottish achievements and culture. It’s hoped that some of the 100 million people worldwide with blood links to Scotland will be tempted to visit the old country by a wide array of cultural, sporting and historic events. The celebration is timed to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the birth of the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns.

Loch Garry, Scottish Highlands

Of course being Scottish I’m biased but I don’t think you need an event to prompt a visit to Scotland as there’s so much natural beauty all over Scotland from the Borders to the Highlands.

Coldingham Sands, Scottish Borders

However I do appreciate that it’s important for destinations to be branded and marketed as travellers have such a wide choice of destinations. Let’s hope that the campaign is successful as it’ll cost around five million pounds.

Do events such as “Year of Homeconing” influence your travel decisions?