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Scotland will be hosting a range of events and celebrations in 2009 during its first ever 'homecoming year', which has been planned to mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of national poet and cultural icon Robert Burns.

A programme of events was unveiled at Edinburgh Castle on 16 June that encompassed everything from Scottish clan gatherings to contemporary art exhibitions.

The celebrations will get underway on the Burns Night weekend (24-25 January), when high-profile events and parties will be held at locations across Scotland, including Ayrshire, the place of Burns' birth.

From 24 January until 1 February, Glasgow will host the Celtic Connections festival, which will celebrate Burns' influence on Scottish music.

The city's Mitchell Library will from April until September host Inspired, an exhibition based on the life and work of Burns, which will feature new work by artists including John Byrne, Calum Colvin and Tracey Emin.

Marie Christie, Homecoming Scotland project director, said that the announced programme is 'just the beginning', with more events and activities set to be confirmed in the future.

'We think there is something in the programme for everyone and we hope Scots, and those who love Scotland, at home and abroad will join the celebrations in 2009,' she added.

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