THE Scottish Government’s second Homecoming event, a year-long celebration of Scottish culture, has drawn criticism for a projected £3 million bill.
• Second Year of Homecoming event criticised for projected cost of £3m
• Scottish Conservative deputy leader Jackson Carlaw adds that year-long event is “shameless” attempt to stir separatist sentiment
The Year of Homecoming, due to take place in 2014 in the run-up to the independence referendum, has been accused by Unionists of being a “disgraceful waste of public money”.
The Homecoming events are expected to include a re-enacment fo the Battle of Bannockburn, marking the 700th anniversary of the conflict, as well as well as a variety of events celebrating Scottish produce, culture and heritage.
The year-long celebrations will also coincide with the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the 40th Ryder Cup in Gleneagles.
But Conservative deputy leader Jackson Carlaw called the proposed cost “shameless” for trying to whip up nationalist sentiment ahead of the referendum.
“This is a disgraceful waste of public money at a time when college and housing budgets are being hammered.
“The Scottish people will see through this humiliating stunt as a clear attempt to buy votes with £3 million of public money.”
A report published yesterday by the Scottish Government outlined the second Homecoming as an opportunity to “position Scotland on the international stage as a dynamic and creative nation.
“It will extend the benefits and opportunities offered by hosting the Commonwealth Games and Ryder Cup,” the report adds, “by presenting a year-long, co-ordinated programme of events designed to generate pride in the people of Scotland.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “We expect to see a large return on our investment of around £8 back for every pound we spend.”