A statue commemorating the Highland Clearances will be unveiled tomorrow in Canada by Environment Minister Michael Russell.

The monument, Exiles, will be the first statue outside of Scotland to commemorate the tens of thousands of Scots forced to flee their homes during the Clearances. A twin statue named Emigrants was unveiled by the First Minister in Sutherland in July 2007 while further the Scottish Government are planning similar monuments in other locations around the world.

Mr Russell’s visit to Winnipeg in Canada is part of the Government’s drive to promote Homecoming Scotland 2009 - a series of events planned for next year to boost tourism by encouraging Scottish Diaspora to return for the celebrations.

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Speaking ahead of the unveiling Mr Russell said: "The Exiles statue is a beautiful and poignant piece of art that commemorates those families who were dispossessed of their homes and land and who left for distant shores, enduring great hardship in the process.

"But it is also a celebration: A celebration of the contribution the emigrants made in the course of their new lives overseas, recreating a little bit of Scotland in their new homelands; and a celebration of the countries, such as Canada, that not only accepted them but embraced them.

"There are an estimated 100 million people around the world who claim Scottish ancestry and the Scottish Government greatly values the members of this worldwide family, who are among the best ambassadors for Scotland.

"That is why we're inviting them to come home next year and join us in celebrating the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns.

"Homecoming Scotland 2009 will be a year-long celebration of Scotland's contributions to the world: Burns himself, whisky, golf, great Scottish minds and innovations, and our rich culture and heritage that lives on at home and abroad. It will be a fantastic year for Diaspora Scots and for the people of Scotland."

(GK/NS)