AN INTERNET project celebrating the links between the people of Scotland and their favourite place was launched in Perth yesterday.

Actress Daniela Nardini and environment minister Michael Russell MSP visited Moncreiffe Primary, where www.placebookscotland. com was launched by pupils.

Placebook Scotland is a web project created by the Scottish Landscape Forum that ties in with next year’s Homecoming Scotland.

It is aimed at people from all walks of life and allows them to submit pictures, film, music and writing about what makes their place distinct and gives it an identity.

This could be anything from their own backyard or street, a local feature or countryside scene where they grew up.

Mr Russell said, “Landscape makes a significant contribution to Scottish identity and our rich natural and cultural heritage.

“Placebook Scotland will seek to cover as much as possible of Scotland’s landscapes, townscapes and seascapes through the arts and I would encourage everyone to get involved.

“As Scotland gears up for 2009—the year of Homecoming—it is particularly apt that such a resource now exists to remind Scots both at home and abroad of Scotland’s beautiful and diverse landscapes.”

Reflecting on her upbringing in Largs, Ms Nardini said, “I have many fond memories of the Gogo Burn in Largs, as I spent many happy hours with my friends when I was young jumping from stone to stone. And we often fell in as well!”

Chief executive of Scottish Natural Heritage Ian Jardine said, “It’s great to see so much interest in this site already, not least the postings by the children of Moncreiffe primary school.

“We would urge everyone across the country and beyond to share their place on the website.

“Together we can create a huge archive of material that will celebrate the close links between people and places. That’s what Placebook Scotland is all about.”

Homecoming Scotland’s marketing manager Ewan Fairweather said, “We are delighted that the Placebook Scotland project is supporting homecoming Scotland 2009 and are particularly pleased to be working with Placebook Scotland on the ‘My Special Place’ online photography competition.

“There are so many magical places in Scotland that conjure up special memories and we would encourage anyone who loves Scotland to submit their photos to the online gallery and tell us why these places are so special to them. Such a collection will provide a fitting legacy for the year of Homecoming in 2009.”

From today, people can submit their material to the Placebook Scotland website at www.placescotland. com as well as browse the other entries.

Placebook Scotland is aimed at anyone who lives, works or was brought up in Scotland.