The aim of this paper is to provide insight and analysis into the politics of a government tourism initiative within the geographic context of Scotland. It highlights the catalytic role of key government agencies in channelling investment, energies, events and marketing effort into a nationally focused tourism theme: Homecoming Scotland 2009 (HS09). The paper delves below the public relations veneer of many such activities to uncover the political debates and controversies that may have detracted from the successes of the initiative.div_BaMAudit Scotland. (2010). The Gathering 2009, project brief.
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