The countdown to the 2007 Orkney Homecoming begins today, with only 365 days to go until an expected 300 homecomers descend on the county to discover their ancestral roots.

With the programme now finalised, chairman of the Orkney Homecoming 2007 Cameron Taylor is looking ahead to the event itself.

“With only one year to go the excitement amongst everyone involved with the Homecoming is really building up.  We have put together a fantastic programme with some really exciting tours and events, including a John Rae Day in celebration of our renowned explorer, a Family History Day which will involve the whole local community, and of course a glittering Gala Evening for our guests” he said.

“Interestingly, the Homecoming will also coincide with Norway’s Constitution Day, which of course we celebrate here in Orkney, so the whole event will be a real celebration of Orkney’s international connections.

“Everyone is working incredibly hard to make sure that the Orkney Homecoming 2007 is a great success, and while there is still work to be done, we’re all very much looking forward to welcoming everyone back home to Orkney.”

Barbara Foulkes, area director of VisitOrkney, added: “The first Orkney Homecoming exceeded everyone’s expectations, providing a wonderful and emotional experience for those seeing their ancestors’ home for the very first time, and we are determined that the 2007 Orkney Homecoming will just as successful – if not even more so.

“Orkney has fantastic links with North America and the programme which has been put together is one that will really bring the whole visitor experience to life, from following in ancestors’ footsteps and discovering where their families came from, to finding out more about modern-day Orkney and enjoying the very best in what the county has to offer.

“From a tourism point of view this will also be a wonderful opportunity to showcase the islands, one of Scotland’s Seven Wonders, to an international audience – and I’m sure that the 2007 Homecoming will do Orkney proud.”

The Orkney Homecoming 2007 will run from 16 to 22 May, and will also tie in with Highland 2007, a year of events to celebrate and promote Highland culture.

For further details on the Orkney Homecoming 2007, visit http://www.orkneyhomecoming.com