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The Scottish Government and a Glasgow businessman have formed an unlikely partnership to sponsor the Scottish Cup for this season and next.

Former Celtic director Willie Haughey will provide one million pounds for the two seasons of the deal while the Scottish Government will have full branding and naming rights for the competition.

It will be known as the Homecoming Scottish Cup to mark the drive to attract tourists in 2009, the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, Scotland's national poet.

George Peat, Scottish FA president, said: "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."

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond said at the launch:

"The generosity of Willie Haughey has made The Scottish Cup a prize that every Scot, at home and abroad, and every friend of Scotland has a share in.

Haughey said he decided against using the name of his City Refrigeration company as part of the sponsorship deal.

"It won't have my company name because this isn't about selling more fridges," he said. "The City Refrigeration Scottish Cup sounds a little bit cold in any case."

The Scottish Cup was first held in the 1873-74 season.

Rangers won it for the 32nd time last season while Celtic have lifted the trophy a record 34 times.

Reuters