Homecoming Scotland 2009 - Post Mortem from a Scottish Perspective

[cessna152towser]

So, as a Scot, do you think the whole thing was a success. Were you disappointed? Elated?

My personal view is that overall Homecoming Scotland 2009 has been a huge success for Scotland's economy with many more visitors from overseas throughout the season. Also it has re-kindled old family ties and friendships and brought new bonds of friendship.
As individual events go I felt that the Edinburgh gathering was an embarrassment and a disappointment, the fact that it was widely hyped overseas duped a lot of people into thinking this was the one must do event of the Homecoming year, personally I felt that the North Berwick Games in August and the Muster of the Clans in September were better showcases for what Scotland can do, fortunately these also attracted significant numbers of overseas visitors.
My first real sense of elation for Homecoming was the Muster of the Clans in September, I got a real buzz out of this event and because it was happening in my home area of Scotland I was very much aware of the big influx of North American accents on the streets.
California was undoubtedly the highlight of my year, my first visit to the USA and a trip which I had not envisaged at the start of the year and which only came about as a consequence of new friendships made through Homecoming Scotland 2009.

[thescot]

. . . I felt that the Edinburgh gathering was an embarrassment and a disappointment, the fact that it was widely hyped overseas duped a lot of people into thinking this was the one must do event of the Homecoming year, . . .

That's what I was wondering about. I often find that the "big events" of such things which are often planned by bureaucrats and politicos are disappointing.

Thanks so much for the photos and analysis. And for the commentary on the other events, many of which I'd not even heard of.

[shawhighlander]

Really glad you had such a grand string of events. Makes the year have warmth. Thanks for taking the time to pen a few thoughts, as well ith:

[Ozark Ridge Rider]

Alex,

Thank you so much for all your threads and pictures. A new granddaughter kept us home or we would have been at the Clan Scott functions. Will probably get over next year.

It is really enjoyable to see all your photos, and hope you had as much fun as it looks like you did.

Best to you and yours,
Dan

[starbkjrus]

Wow Alex, you have had a busy year. Thanks for the photos and perspective.

I'm going to have to start calling you Air Miles Alex. ith:

[Luckey]

Alex, it was a pleasure meeting you in Edinburgh. Thank you for the wonderful report and the always great pictorial.

As an American, my wife and I always wanted to visit Scotland and the Gathering gave us the push we needed. It was an amazing trip to a most beautiful country. Plus, I must echo Alex's comments about new and old friendships. We met up with old friends from the States and made some very good and I hope lasting friends from the Cowal penninsula, our old clan grounds.

We will be returning as soon as I can figure out how to handle a round about. I discovered Scottish drivers have much patience with we crazy tourists.