Tom Devine and The Gathering 2009

Organisers of The Gathering 2009 are delighted to announce the involvement - as historical adviser- of Professor Tom Devine to plans for the largest clan gathering ever held in Scotland.

Professor Devine, a leading expert on Scottish emigration and regarded as the pre-eminent authority on the history of modern Scotland, will work closely with The Gathering 2009 to provide academic consultation and guidance throughout the planning process.

In 2006, Professor Devine was appointed to the Sir William Fraser Chair at The University of Edinburgh, widely acknowledged to be the world's premier Chair of Scottish History. 

Professor Tom Devine said: "I am pleased to offer my support and assistance to The Gathering 2009 and delighted to support the call to bring Scots and their descendants from around the world back home for what I'm sure will be an unforgettable event."

The Gathering 2009, which has already attracted support from over 80 clans, will take place over two days and involve around 8,000 clansmen and clanswomen from around the globe. It recently confirmed HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay as Patron.

Jamie Sempill, Director of The Gathering 2009, said: "We are thrilled to announce the support of such as distinguished historian as Professor Devine who I'm sure will make an invaluable contribution to The Gathering 2009."

Professor Devine is soon to become the founding Director of the proposed Scottish Centre for Diaspora Studies in The University of Edinburgh which aims to become the world's leading research hub for the study of Scottish emigration.  In 2001, he was presented by HM The Queen with The Royal Gold Medal, widely regarded at Scotland's supreme academic accolade and in 2005 he was appointed OBE for services to Scottish historical scholarship. Tom Devine has published 29 books and 100 academic articles covering many aspects of Scottish History.

75P-TH23U1-P03-C01-S3HWXT-8RH-6V6UNotes to Editors:

• The Gathering 2009, will take place on 25th -26th July 2009 in Edinburgh and is one of the key events within the Scottish Government's Homecoming Scotland initiative.
• The Gathering 2009 is a commercial enterprise and a limited company has been set up to run the event. Lord Sempill and Jenny Gilmour are the directors of the limited company.
• Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh & Lothian, The City of Edinburgh Council and EventScotland are the inaugural partners of the event.
• EventScotland is the national events agency that supports events in order to generate economic benefits for the Scottish economy