The nationwide celebration is being organised by the Scottish Government and aims to motivate people of Scottish descent, as well as those who love Scotland, to come home and join a celebration of our culture and heritage.

And the year-long programme of events taking place across the Kingdom starts this month.

In 2007 Fife Council's events strategy team consulted with events organisers to encourage them to participate in the national programme by introducing new events or adapting existing ones to fit the homecoming theme.

Councillor Brian Goodall, chairman of the housing and communities committee, said he was proud to support Homecoming 2009.

He said: "We are encouraging all Fifers, wherever they may be to think now about this initiative and come home to visit us.

"There is so much to see and do in Fife, from Dunfermline's historic buildings and the idyllic fishing villages of the East Neuk to the vibrant music scene and nightlife of our larger towns.

"When you add to this the 'home of golf' in St Andrews and the many special events and festivals being planned for 2009 there will never be a better time to visit the Kingdom.

"We have also just expanded our genealogy service, adding a centre in Dunfermline to our very popular facility in St Andrews to meet the growing demand from people wanting to trace their family trees - what better excuse could there be for people wanting to return to their roots than this."

The celebrations start on the weekend around Burns Night and run through to St Andrew's Day.

Some have still to be confirmed, but the list includes StAnza, Scotland's poetry festival based in St Andrews in March which will include a fresh look at the work of Robert Burns.

Kirkcaldy Museum and Art Gallery can also boast a great number of events and features.

One of the best, and least well known, collections of Burns' memorabilia and books will be brought into the light and put on display before being returned to their usual home at Dunfermline Carnegie Library.

Also, a long lost Victorian painting 'A Scottish Fair', discovered for sale in America, returns on loan to Kirkcaldy Museum and Art Gallery.
Gravestones and family history are featured at the Museum too.

Homecoming Scotland 2009 project director Marie Christie said every region of Scotland is involved in the events, with hundreds of individuals and organisations working to make 2009 a special year for Scotland.

2009 HIGHLIGHTS
March to December
'Come Home to Museums in Fife'
It features everything from golf, Robert Burns or ancestors that inspire you. Look out for special events for children and adults in museums across the Kingdom.

January 24
Burns Alive!
Dunfermline Heritage Trust presents a multi-media production featuring David Purdie and Sheena Wellington.

January 30
Sandi Thom, Carnegie HAll.
The Scots singer-songwriter comes to Fife as part of her Homecoming 2009 tour.

March 18 to 22
StAnza 2009, Burns and Enlightenment. Scotland's Homecoming and contribution to the enlightenment will be major themes for the festival this year including a fresh look at Burns.

April
Homegame: Fence Collective - An extended festival in Anstruther with headline names relating to Burns.

October
Fife Family History Fair
'Home and Away: Scots on the Move'. Rothes Halls, Glenrothes.