2009 is the official year of Scottish Homecoming, a year of celebration of the things that make Scotland special to many throughout the world. 2009 also marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns. His life and works are central to the celebrations, along with whisky, enlightenment and innovation, golf and ancestry.

Our first call will be to Port Ellen in the Isle of Islay, home of eight distilleries and the distinctive peaty and seaweedy single malt whisky. Heading out into the Atlantic Ocean an overnight sail brings us to the archipelago of St Kilda, one of only 24 dual World Heritage Sites worldwide. The next morning we will awake in beautiful Loch Ewe and come ashore to the small pier at the foot of Inverewe Garden and spend the day enjoying the gardens at our leisure. We will then make our way to Stornoway where we will berth for the day. Tours will be on offer to the most popular sights in Lewis and Harris, including the Callanish Standing Stones, Dun Carloway and Rodel Church.

Tiree has become a very fashionable destination for water sports, in particular windsurfing. The island also has a rich history, a wide range of wildlife and spectacular scenery. Our final call will be to Ayr where we will have the opportunity to visit some of the places connected with Scotland’s national bard, Robert Burns. We will also visit nearby Culzean Castle and Country Park where there will be guided tours of the house, gardens and park.

Lecturers – Our lecturers on this cruise will be Roger Crofts (founding Chief Executive of Scottish Natural Heritage and Board member of the National Trust for Scotland), Dr David Munro is Director & Secretary of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society) and
Billy Kay (broadcaster and author of The Scottish World about the Scottish diaspora.)

Artistes – Our entertainment team will include Scotland the What? entertainer George Donald, Gaelic singer Anne Lorne Gillies, fiddler Ian Adamson and baritone Richard Morrison. Your compère for the cruise is Cameron Stout who will host the evening concerts and recitals, as well as lead a Scottish dancing class.

Prices (per person)

• Three-berth inside - £1,060
• Inside singles from - £1,800-£1,850
• Outside singles from - £2,110-£2,530
• Inside Twins/Doubles from - £1,480-£1,640
• Outside Twins/Doubles from - £1,900-£2,330
• Suites (single/double/twin) - £2,510-£2,930

5% early booking discount available for bookings made before 1 November 2008.