The Browns and the knitted up Shetlands
Oysters!
Chris Robinson chats with newly returned Eamonn Ferrin, President, ACV
Dr. Durie's genealogy corner generated lots of interest
Michael Keith, Scotland's Minister of Transportation
The McLean House at Sunnybrook Estates was the ideal setting on a chill rainy evening for a warm welcome from the folks at VisitScotland. They’re all geared up and ready to celebrate Homecoming Scotland 2014 when they’ll be welcoming the world to take in the culture, history, charm and hospitality of the Scotts – always topped up with a wee dram of whisky to ensure visitors are in good spirits.
As house parties go… it was a great one with plenty of delicious food, ubiquitous open bar, lively music and gracious hosts. It was loud and lively with the sounds of renewed acquaintances and newly minted ones.
Homecoming has been generating substantial buzz – and not just due to the absolutely brilliant marketing coup of dressing up a couple of Shetland ponies in Fair Isle sweaters – that little p.r. campaign went viral a few months ago with virtually every news source, your favourite online trade magazine included… and we hadn’t even met the absolutely lovely Doreen Brown yet! Doreen, whose hand knit cardigans are featured on the pair of ponies, and her husband are accompanying the current Homecoming promotional tour and are both so charming, they’re reason enough to want to visit the Scots.
The focus of Homecoming Scotland 2014 will be the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles, both of which will capture worldwide attention on a grand scale, in midsummer and late September respectively. But Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland wants to welcome the world throughout the year to many festivals and special events that are scheduled from Hogmanay throughout the year.
And, honestly, you don’t even need to take in a special occasion to enjoy Scotland, the warmth of the people, their history and beautiful scenery are always on display. According to Dr. Bruce Durie, we all have a little Scots in us… and he should know. Durie is an internationally recognized genealogist who has authored 30 books on family and local history. Scotland’s historical records are so thorough, it’s one of the easiest places to dig up your ancestral roots.
I don’t think there will be any shortage of folks heading to the Highlands next year. But why wait – when we have the opportunity to hop over so easily this summer with the new rouge YYZ-EDI service and Transat’s GLA flights as well.
