What is the Homecoming Scotland and Clan Scott Borders Gathering?
Homecoming Scotland is an inspirational celebration of Scottish culture, heritage, and the many great contributions Scotland has given the world.  The Clan Scott Gathering is one of the three official Homecoming programme events planned in the Borders.

Who is behind Homecoming Scotland?
Homecoming Scotland is a Scottish Government initiative managed by EventScotland in partnership with VisitScotland.  The Chief of Clan Scott, His Grace the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry, KBE, is the host of the Clan Scott Borders Gathering and will be in attendance.

When is it taking place?
The Clan Scott Borders Gathering starts on Thursday, September 24, and continues through Sunday, September 27, 2009.  The initial programme of events was announced on June 16, 2008, and as more details are known, we will add this information on to the Clan Scott Society website.  (Please note: The dates on the Homecoming Gathering website and on the Borders Homecoming Postcard are incorrect.  The correct dates are above.  The dates on these documents are expected to be corrected soon.)

Why is it happening in 2009?
2009 marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scotland’s national poet and international cultural icon Robert Burns whose message of friendship and 'Auld Lang Syne' lives on. 2009 will be a celebration of not only Scotland's great contributions to the world, namely golf, whisky, enlightenment and innovation and ancestry, but for the Clan Scott of the ascendancy of the 10th Duke of Buccleuch as Chief of Clan Scott.  For the first time ever Scotts of the Diaspora and their families are being called home.  The call of ‘A Bellendaine’ will gather the Scotts from around the world. 

What are the main themes of Homecoming Scotland?
The main themes of the Clan Scott Gathering will be Clan Scott heritage, a celebration of kith and kin, and visits to historic ancestral sites, including Abbotsford, and a celebration of one of the most famous names in the Scott family, Sir Walter Scott.  The 2009 Clan Scott Gathering will be centered around Bowhill, the Duke’s scenic Border home and ancestral homeland of the Scotts.  Four days of events will begin with a variety of historic events, reenactment of the Caterhaugh Ba’Game, a play of the life of Sir Walter, longbow archery displays, equestrian, and events of distinctive Scott borders heritage.  The families of Clan Scott - Scott, Bucklew, Laidlaw, Langlands, Harden, Geddes, and those who descend from these proud families - are invited to answer the call – ‘a Bellendaine! – to unite with their fellow kinsfolk at Bowhill, celebrate their homeland and meet their ancestral Clan Chief. 

Why have these themes been chosen?
The themes for the Scott Clan Homecoming have been chosen because they are unique to the Scott family and with Sir Walter widely recognized across the world as being one of the unique icons of Scotland.  This truly generational event will bring entire families together to experience “Scott Country.”  The Clan Scott Gathering will surely remain in their hearts and family legends for time to come.
 
Where can I find out about other events taking place during the Year of Homecoming?
You will be able to find out about all the events on the HomecomingScotland2009 website.  The initial programme of events was announced on Monday, 16th of June, and as more details are known, we will add this information on to this website.

Who is this Homecoming event aimed at?
The Borders Clan Scott Gathering is aimed at Scotts and allied families, their descendants and affinity Scots, anyone who loves Scotland as well as people of Scott descent.

Is it just for overseas visitors?
Not at all - it's for anyone who loves Scotland, including people who live in Scotland. Most of the events included in the Gathering programme will be of as much interest to the Scottish people as well as to overseas visitors, whether they have Scott or related ancestry or simply love Scotland.

How can I get involved?
Contact us, tell your friends and relatives from all over the world about the special year of Homecoming and encourage them to attend this first ever Clan Scott Gathering in September 2009.  If you're thinking of attending, or want to organize a group, click here to go to our inquiry form and register to be added to the email contact list to find out about the various Gathering programme events.

How can I promote The Homecoming Gathering?
We are developing a promotional and information toolkit with guidelines. You can download the Homecoming Gathering logo for inclusion on your communications and we'd also be delighted if you included a link to our website on your website.

Taking an Add-on Tour in Scotland
I'm thinking of taking a trip in Scotland before or after the Gathering in the Borders. How do I book my trip?
Travel related information will be posted in the near future.  Check back soon.

Where can I book accommodation?
Accommodation information will be posted in the near future.  Check back soon.

What about other general information e.g. shop opening hours, public holidays, banks, etc.?
For more information, see The Scottish Borders Breaks Guide ’08 on the visitscottishborders.com website
or phone 011 44 845 22 55 121

I can't find the answer to my question in this list. How can I get in touch?
Send the Clan Scott Gathering committee an inquiry by clicking here.