As part of Scotland’s Homecoming year of celebrations, the Scottish Qualifications Authority is running the Scotland Me creative competition.

The organisation is calling on Scotland’s schools, colleges and training centres to unleash their “phenomenal creative talent” to promote and celebrate the very best in Scotland as part of Homecoming Scotland 2009.

An SQA spokesperson said: “Scotland may not be where all our learners were born, but it’s the place they call home. Scotland, and home, means different things to each of us, and that’s what we want you to explore.”

The creative work can be a piece of music, a poem, a short story, artwork, photography, a design or a research project which links into one of the five Homecoming Year themes:

- Robert Burns;

- great Scottish minds and innovations;

- ancestry;

- golf; and

- whisky.

Entries are welcome from individuals and class groups.

Winners and centre representatives will be invited to the SQA Star Awards ceremony in October 2009. The closing date for applications is June 30.

www.sqa.org.uksqahomecoming2009.