THE YEAR of Homecoming marks the 250th birth of Robert Burns. Everyone has their view on Scotland's national poet, but few would argue that his name is always a good excuse for a party and that we all need a good party or two this year.

The Scotsman has already highlighted the potentially huge benefits of Homecoming - and The Gathering, the biggest event of the year, which will see a gathering of the clans like never before in Scotland. Visitors from all over the world will descend on Scotland for a clan march down the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, a spectacular Heavy Highland Games amid a tented clan village in Holyrood Park.

The Scotsman - and www.scotsman.com - the natural home for expat Scots everywhere - will keep you up to date on all the latest events. There's no need to look anywhere else

Events Calendar

How will you celebrate the Bard's 250th birthday?

To help you decide, The Scotsman has put together an events calendar packed with activities to suit all tastes and ages.

Click here for an overview of the Homecoming events being held in 2009.

If you've spotted an event that's of interest to you, click on the date it's being held in the calendar below for more details.