In celebration of the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns, Scotland’s National Bard, and to launch the fantastic year long programme of events, Homecoming Scotland has teamed up with The Famous Grouse, Scotland’s Favourite Whisky,  to create the world’s biggest ever Burns Supper celebration.

To kick off “The World Famous Burns Supper” campaign, we are running The Famous Toast competition. Budding poets are invited to pen a new toast for the 2009 celebrations paying homage to the tipple most associated with the Bard, Scotch Whisky.

The poems will be judged by an industry panel from the world of Whisky and Burns including John Ramsay, Master Blender of The Famous Grouse, Marie Christie, Director of Homecoming Scotland 2009, Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer of EventScotland, and representatives from the World Burns Federation.

The Famous Toast will receive its inaugural recital as part of the official Burns Supper in Alloway attended by the First Minister of Scotland on Saturday 24th January 2009. It will also be printed on the 250 bottles of a limited edition whisky, being created by The Famous Grouse, which will be auctioned off at some of the most prestigious Burns Suppers around the world.

Gerry O’Donnell, director, The Famous Grouse, said: “As Scotland’s favourite whisky, we are extremely proud of our Scottish heritage and are therefore very pleased to be taking part in Homecoming Scotland 2009. The Famous Toast is a great way to kick start the campaign – giving people the opportunity to celebrate two of our nation’s most popular contributions to the world – whisky and our national poet Robert Burns.”

Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer, EventScotland, said: “Homecoming Scotland is delighted to be working with The Famous Grouse. The Famous Toast competition and The World Famous Burns Supper campaign will help to create Scotland’s biggest ever celebration of Robert Burns, raising interest in the Bard at home and around the world.

“Robert Burns is the inspiration for our national year of celebration, and the Homecoming Scotland programme contains a range of events and festivals that will celebrate the life and work of our national poet throughout 2009.”

If you would like to find out more about how to join in the Burns celebration in 2009 make sure you have registered at http://www.homecomingscotland2009.com to receive further details