Amateur bagpiper, Rob Calder, will busk his way across America when he hits the road on a six week trip to promote the World Pipe Band Championships and Piping Live!, two key events in Homecoming Scotland 2009’s extensive programme.

Rob has been inspired by Homecoming Scotland 2009, a national celebration that marks the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns with a programme of more than 300 events taking place throughout the year. He will travel through key locations in the United States, including; New York, Philadelphia; Washington DC; Nashville; Memphis; New Orleans; Houston; Dallas; Amarillo; Denver; Las Vegas; Los Angeles and San Francisco from 12th June until 22nd July.

Scotland’s national tourism organisation, VisitScotland is working in partnership with Glasgow City Marketing Bureau to support the 32 year old, who was born and studied in Glasgow. On his epic tour, Rob will promote Glasgow’s two prestigious piping events as part of the Homecoming Scotland 2009 programme.

Rob will be relying on his Scottish connections and the goodwill of his countrymen for accommodation and hospitality during his formidable piping tour across the States where he will meet with numerous local pipe bands. He is encouraging people to get in touch with him via www.visitscotland.com/bagpipebusker and welcomes all support.

Glasgow City Marketing Bureau (GMCB) is working with VisitScotland, to raise the profile of Glasgow’s piping events this Homecoming year and joint marketing activities include promotions at numerous Highland Games in the US and Canada and an advertising campaign in Canada’s national paper, the Toronto Star. In addition, a sweepstakes competition will run to raise awareness of the World Pipe Band Championships and Piping Live! – that will see lucky winners win a trip to Scotland for the 2010 World Pipe Band Championships. Footage from Rob’s tour will be provided to global broadcast and online media to be seen by millions.