The Scottish FA today announced a unique partnership with businessman Willie Haughey and the Scottish Government that will see the national Cup competition rebranded as The Homecoming Scottish Cup.

The move is part of a two year sponsorship deal for the Scottish Cup that will be worth around one million pounds a year to Scottish football.

The Scottish Government will have full branding and naming rights for the tournament over the next two seasons. This year those rights will be used to celebrate Homecoming, but it is expected that the Government will take the opportunity to promote healthy living and good citizenship over the course of the deal.

You can find our more details about Homecoming 2009 at www.homecomingscotland.com

Speaking at the announcement at Hampden Park, Scottish FA President George Peat said:

“It is great that we have a sponsor for the Scottish Cup – but for me it is the nature of the deal that is so exciting. We have a real chance to work with our partners in Government to use the Cup to make a difference to Scotland and to the lives of people right across the country.

“If we can use the magic of the cup to promote our country internationally and to encourage people to live better, healthier lives then we will be doing something really special.

“Willie Haughey deserves our support and our thanks for helping to make this happen. His investment will mean that even more money can be spent on developing young footballers across Scotland. This is great news for the game.”

First Minister Alex Salmond said:

“The Scottish Cup, the oldest national trophy in the world, is the perfect platform to get more people, from home and overseas, involved in the Year of Homecoming 2009.

“Football has and always will be a major part of Scotland’s culture and heritage. It is already a huge driver for tourism. The Homecoming Scottish Cup will enable the Scottish Government and the Scottish FA to promote Homecoming 2009, Scottish football and our shared vision for a healthier, more successful Scotland to audiences around the world.

“And of course, this sponsorship is the result of Willie Haughey’s generosity. We are very grateful for his support and donation to enable this exciting partnership to take place.”

Willie Haughey said:

“I am delighted to be involved in this deal. The Scottish Cup is a great tournament that excites and inspires people across Scotland and around the world.

“We all want Scotland to prosper as a country, our people to be healthier and, of course, to keep on producing great footballers. I have made this investment today so that we can work to make this happen.

“Scots care passionately about football and I have no doubt that the partnership that we are creating today can use the power of sport to help change lives. Working together, we can make a difference.”