It is now time to plan ahead, to ensure you can be part of this unique celebration encompassing a series of events and activities throughout Scotland.

Come to the home of… Burns; the home of Golf; the home of Whisky; the home of Enlightenment and Innovation; the home of your ancestors.

Has your life been 'touched' in some way by Scotland, whether through family links, having previously visited, lived, worked or studied or are you a member of the many Scottish societies around the globe?  If so, the Homecoming Scotland celebrations are the ideal way to rediscover your love of our proud wee nation.

The people of Scotland offer a heartfelt invitation to all “Affinity Scots” to return to your roots and feature in an inspirational fête of all things Scottish.

Come to the home of Robert Burns

As the bard himself says in the 1792 poem O Saw Ye Bonnie Lesley, “Return to Caledonia!”  A visit to south-west Scotland offers everyone the chance to explore the birthplace of Burns and learn about his life and poetical works.  For over 200 years the beautiful scenery of Alloway and its special connection with the ploughman poet have drawn visitors to this stunning Ayrshire village and the surrounding area.  Join likeminded AffinityScots in the region that inspired Burns’ imagination.

Come to the home of Golf

St Andrews is known worldwide as the home of golf, where the game evolved and the spirit and traditions of the game have been safeguarded for over six centuries.  The Old Course originally consisted of 22 holes, eleven out and eleven back.  The track through the whin bushes on which the Old Course evolved was so narrow that golfers would play to the same holes going out and coming in.  As the game became increasingly popular golfers in different matches often found themselves playing to the same hole from opposite directions.  Today, a visit to the hallowed turf of the St Andrews links is thought by many to be the ultimate golf pilgrimage.  It is never too early to turn golfing dreams into reality; if you have always wanted to play the Home of Golf then perhaps we can help?

Come to the home of Whisky

The term ‘whisky’ derives originally from the Gaelic ‘uisge beatha’, or ‘usquebaugh’, meaning ‘water of life’.  Whisky has been distilled in Scotland for hundreds of years, and today forms part of our heritage that many tourists are keen to share!  We offer customised whisky tours; which can include a visit to all the whisky producing regions or simply concentrate on your favourites, from the dark, peaty Island malts to the delicate malts of Speyside.  Take a look at our sample whisky tour itinerary.

Come to the home of Enlightenment and Innovation

The Scottish Enlightenment was a period of intellectual ferment in Scotland, running from approximately 1730 to 1800.  At the time of the Act of Union (1707) Scotland was arguably the poorest country in Western Europe.  Following the Reformation, many Scottish academics were teaching in great cities of mainland Europe, Scotland was able to turn its attentions to the wider world without the opposition of England.  The wealth of intellect, invention and innovation Scotland has since brought to the world includes telephones, television, anaesthetic, penicillin, the decimal point, paraffin, fax machines, economics, adhesive postage stamps, geosciences, the Bank of England, the US Navy, the first cloned mammal…

Come to the home of your Ancestors

The most distinctive feature of Scotland’s history, nationally and internationally, is probably that of the Scottish clans. Scotland’s clan system is unique, reflecting the richness and variety of our nation’s cultural make-up as well as the turbulence of its past. At heart, it is a tribal system, typical of all Celtic peoples, but one that was modified over time.

The original Scottish clans worked like an extended family (clan is Gaelic for “children”) in which the chief was the patriarchal figure. The ties of kinship were strengthened within the clan, they could even offer protection to some groups who were not part of their immediate kin. This included smaller clans, known as septs.

For every single Scot here in our native land, there are thought to be at least five more overseas who can claim Scottish ancestry - that's many millions spread around the globe.