Anniversary plans for the Scottish bard

The Ulster-Scots Agency has welcomed the Scottish Parliament's intention to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns birthday in 2009.

Lord Laird of Artigarvan, Agency Chairman, said: "The anniversary events to be planned in Scotland should be a fantastic way to both recognise the contribution of Robert Burns on a worldwide stage and to encourage Scots abroad to visit back home for the celebrations.

"We will also be doing our best to commemorate the event back home as the affinity between Robert Burns and Ulster is legendary.

"We will look forward to establishing contacts with Scotland and with other interested parties at home to ensure that this important milestone is celebrated in full and that Northern Ireland plays its part."

Scottish tourism minister Frank McAveety said that one of the main aims behind the commemoration was to encourage Scots to return to Scotland.  He recently announced a £115,000 funding package for the Burns National Heritage Park in Alloway over the next two years.