Purvis welcomes Borders homecoming

4.32.42am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 17th Jun 2008

Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale MSP, Jeremy Purvis, has welcomed the announcement that the Scottish Borders has received funding to promote homecomings associated with the Common Ridings in 2009.

Mr Purvis stated:

"Whilst the Borders looks to Walter Scott as well as to Robert Burns we also have our fantastic Common Ridings and Festivals to promote for Borderers to come back home to help celebrate Scotland's homecoming in 2009.

"Whilst the funds we are receiving are perhaps not as much as what had been asked for, they nevertheless will be put to good use in helping the Common Ridings committees to support their existing works with 'exiles' and visitors. The events can also be associated with other major events that the Scottish Government is promoting. The homecoming is a good way of spreading the name of the Borders, and through our equestrianism, as well as our superb literary heritage, we can with pride take our place with other national events."