Scotland’s First Minister, Alex Salmond MSP, visited the charity’s Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre on 4 August to experience first hand the award winning new centre and to promote the Homecoming 2009 event.

The First Minister was impressed with what he described as a “first class” Centre that will play a key part in Homecoming Scotland 2009. He said, “The 1746 Battle of Culloden is a hugely significant part of Scots history. The Culloden Visitor Centre has recreated that experience through its battlefield and interactive exhibition featuring Jacobite characters from the 18th century. It is a first class tourist attraction and an innovative record of a vital part of Scotland’s history.”

Homecoming Scotland 2009 is the Scottish Government’s initiative to encourage Scots and friends and family from around the world to come and celebrate Scotland’s history, heritage and culture, during a year which marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns. Mr Salmond was hopeful that Homecoming 2009 would be a boost for Scottish tourism, remarking that there is already a surge of bookings in flights to Scotland for the events next year.

The Culloden Battlefield, one of four Scottish battlefield sites owned by the National Trust for Scotland charity, will be an important destination for people to visit during the Homecoming year, as part of hundreds of events planned around the country, over 50 locations.

Seven year old Philip Nicol, one of the two young descendents from soldiers who fought on either side of the battle in 1746, who officially opened the centre on 16 April this year, happened to be visiting Culloden on 4 August with his parents, so young Philip helped show Mr Salmond around the property.

Dee McIntosh, Director of Policy & Communications for the Trust, was also on site to greet the First Minister. She commented, “As a conservation charity with a key role in preserving and celebrating Scotland’s culture, the National Trust for Scotland plans to play a full part in Homecoming 2009. We are fortunate to have many properties all over Scotland with important links to the Homecoming themes, so there will be a lot going on at our properties, including Culloden’s fantastic ‘Battle to Exile’ event.

“Homecoming 2009 is a great opportunity to raise awareness of Scotland’s natural and cultural treasures and we look forward to working closely with the Scottish Government, to play our part in ensuring it is a success.”

Homecoming 2009 begins on Burns Night, 25 January, with a finale on St Andrews Day on 30 November. To find out more about Homecoming 2009 visit www.homecomingscotland2009.com