Ano this was posted earlier some where but I can't find the post.
2009 is the much hyped homecoming year for Scots..can see that some of you made it back to the old country this summer....I was away most of the summer but had a succession of rellies using my bed all home for 2009,a few a know really well and one or two I have never met,
The theme for homecoming was Caledonia...a know some of you hated the Lulu/Sean Connery/etc version but give this a listen...its Dougie Maclean and this was recorded in Canada..I so love this version,have had it on my ipod all summer and even now it still raises massive emotion in me ...you don't want to hear me sing it...am tone deaf
Have attached a few of my favourite cousins pictures taken back in July..I now wish I had been home and joined in
.Dougie Maclean and Caledonia

A few pictures from homecoming Edinburgh 2009.

Edinburgh 2009

Edinburgh 2009..how not to wear a kilt

Homecoming summer 2009

Kilt disasters aside....it was a brill celebration of Scotland

Summer 2009

I agree with you ross, that song should have been used as an advert for the homecoming, I just love it, and I am sure anyone hearing it would have been encouraged to vist Scotland. There is a very sober feel to the tune and the words...........Much better than the advert of the famous.

I wanted to use the word melancholy to describe the emotions listening to the song, but was'nt sure how to spell it, it was easier saying sober, but I rhink the two words are one and the same.

Haha Mamie,spelling is not my talent either.Melancholy...aw no thats does not look right! is not the word I would use for this song......its sad I suppose but it is also a celebration of what ever it is we love about Scotland.Its how we feel about the landscape,the people its how we feel about ourselves as Scots and being a Scot is something I wear with pride,Cannot imagine living in England although sometimes I would like to be somewhere warmer but am lucky and I can do that but then I come home and have days like today,messing about on the water and the sun is shining and the burds are following me about and am the luckiest guy in the world.Wish that damn seagull would stop looking at me............... .

I'm on my way soon! A good guesthouse recommendation would be appreciated.

Re the above. Whilst searching for accomodation I found this review of a guest house between Paisley and Glasgow andthought it would amuse. Could be a candidate for a TV programme!
'I stayed at the ****** ***** Bed and Breakfast in August as it was close to Glasgow Airport and handy for my flight the following day - I sincerely wish I hadn't!

From nine o'clock onwards we had running battles outside with local gangs numbering about 40. 2 police officers were manfully trying to control what was virtually a riot.

The owners had two large dogs who seem to have the run of the place. My door did not lock properly and I woke in the middle of the night when a large poodle jumped on my bed beside me.

Breakfast was a greasy affair and I found dog hairs on the dishes and tablecloths.

I also found the owners very talkative and opinionated on almost every subject under the sun - when all I wanted was to get a night's rest. They had an alcoholic, one-eyed neighbour in to visit who told me he was psychic. He could confirm that I was a man (extraordinary!) and that I drove a silver coloured car (just like the one parked outside the door!).

All in all a bizare experience and one I wouldn't recommend to anyone but the most broad-minded. If you want a night's kip, forget this one!'

Ross I think the M word would be the feeling suitable for those who left Bonnie Scotland a long time ago, a yearning to see the auld country again ........... Just a thought

Rab, have you thought about renting a wee flat somewhere in a decent district???

Its OK thanks Heather, I'm only up for the weekend. I have now booked at a Hotel in Paisley.Click to view attachment

Thats probably a better idea Rab....a cannot think of any B&B's or the few I have seen do not look all that great.

Mamie I take your point,I was not really thinking about Ex pats finding it a bit meloncholy,I just really like this version of it .Paolo Nutini does it as well and its good to ,he has a much more edgy voice.

Caledonia Paolo Nutini

Ross , I think the Nutini family came from Italy in a small town called Barga. Thats where most Italians came from when they moved to Scotland. As you enter the town there is a road sign saying, welcome to Little Scotland. I agree that this young man has given the song a bit of oomph