Scotland in the 18th century played its part in a wider European Enlightenment. Not only were Scottish ideas and achievements held in high esteem in Europe, but the ideas of the Scottish Enlightenment were also carried across the Atlantic as part of the Scottish diaspora which had its beginnings in that same era. Small wonder that the writer Tobias Smollet referred to Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, as ‘a hotbed of genius’. And this tradition of intellect and innovation continued far beyond its 18th-century origins.  In 2009, exhibitions, concerts, festivals and gatherings will celebrate Scotland’s contribution in many scientific and cultural fields.

* When Robert Burns found literary success in Edinburgh in 1786, he found himself admired by a society caught up in a dramatic and creative period in Scotland’s story, now known as the Scottish Enlightenment. For example, the Scottish scientist David Hutton, the father of modern geology, published his ground-breaking work ‘A Theory of the Earth’ only two years after Burns’ poetic collection. Similarly, ‘cutting-edge’ thinking in a new science of economics was exemplified by Kirkcaldy-born Adam Smith. His most famous work was the forward-looking justification of capitalism: ‘An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations.’

* Television. John Logie Baird 1888 1946: Born in Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire, and educated at Glasgow University. He researched 'pictures by radio', ie televison. He was the first to transmit visual images though this using a mechanical system, soon superseded by electronic methods. Among numerous inventions, he also experimented with an early form of the video cassette.

* Oil refinery. James Young 1811 1883: This Glasgow born industrial chemist,
known as 'Paraffin Young'   was the first to produce oil commercially. He developed an industry in West Lothian based on locally mined oil-bearing shale. A plant at Bathgate, West Lothian, was the first commercial oil refinery in the world.

* The raincoat or ‘mackintosh’. Weatherproofing agent used for fabric was invented by Charles Mackintosh (1766 1843).

* 'Canada Dry' was invented by Scottish chemist, John McLaughlin in Toronto, 1890.

* The famous architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his masterpiece the Glasgow School of Art will be celebrated as part of Homecoming 2009. Coincidentally, the building celebrates its centenary in 2009 and a variety of themed events are planned.

* John Muir, the founder of the concept of national parks and ‘the Father of Modern Conservation’ will be recalled in a new festival in April to June throughout East Lothian, the area of his birth.

* Thomas Telford, engineer, and the Caledonian Canal. To mark the canal’s innovative engineering, its contribution to Scottish history and its place in the story of the Scottish Enlightenment, vessels will travel the entire length of the canal from Fort William to Inverness, highlighting the drama of canal navigation and the many influences on Highland life, through song, musical interludes, storytelling and dance. 16-20 June, 2009 in an event called The Crossing.