THE GATHERING

As part of the Homecoming Scotland 2009 celebrations it was decided that a gathering of representatives from all of the Scottish clans was needed. This led to the aptly named 'Gathering' weekend event held in the parklands adjacent to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, at the eastern end of the Royal Mile, Edinburgh. We attended on the Saturday to see what went on at such an event..

A major part of the event was the 'clan village' with a collection of 60 or so clan tents providing info and souveneirs on the respective clans. This is Clan Stewart, formerly of Stirling Castle (see previous post) and also the name of Carly's (Chelsea residing) cousins back home..

There were also piping and marching bands that had travelled from all over the world to take part in the event..

Of course no proper Scottish getogether would be complete without some Highland Games! In the background is the main music stage..

There were more kilts in attendance than you could poke a haggis at! These two gentlemen are proud members of Clan Wallace..

Holyrood Park is situated just over a mile east of Edinburgh Castle and the city centre yet feels like it's much farther away. Arthur's Seat and the Salisbury Crags are two of the reasons why, providing a backdrop more akin to a highland glen than a lowland city park. They also provide a nice vantage point for those not willing to pay the entry fee!..

Looking across the main arena to Arthur's Seat..

The very new and temporary set aginst the backdrop of the very old and (almost?) permanent..

Wouldn't be Highland games without the Caber Toss!..

The guys warmed up with a 'small' caber of 19ft which they all tossed easily, so the decision was made to try the 22ft caber..

Caber - mid toss!..

I don't think we've witnessed a more Scottish scene than this one - bagpipes, drums, the Saltire and some caber comedy!..

The commentator was a little harsh though!..

The saturday afternoon crowd..

The Murray Clan tent, Evan's grandad's name..

The root of all that is Murray!..

On the walk back through the Edinburgh Old Town to the station we passed by Calton Hill. This is the old Governor's House..

The Balmoral Hotel, Evan's new(ish) work place and a far far (far!) cry from the Arisaig Hotel!..

The Balmoral is one of, if not the best, hotels in Edinburgh and a landmark in it's own right. The clocktower has been set 3 minutes fast for the past 107 years to ensure train travellers heading to Waverley Station (next door) don't miss their train..

A typical street view in the Old Town..

Of course any post about Edinburgh wouldn't quite be complete without a picture of the castle..

And to finish, a pic of the East Princes Street Gardens, taken from the National Gallery on a sunny Saturday afternoon..


That's all from Edinburgh for the moment! Stay tuned for more soon!..