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Crowds gather for Scottish Barack Obama event Obama avoids crowds outside Edinburgh charity dinner
(35 minutes later)
Former US president Barack Obama is to speak at a charity dinner in Edinburgh later, addressing an audience made up largely of business leaders. Former US president Barack Obama is speaking at a charity dinner in Edinburgh, addressing an audience made up largely of business leaders.
The event has been organised by the Hunter Foundation, set up by the philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter.The event has been organised by the Hunter Foundation, set up by the philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter.
Mr Obama had visited St Andrews earlier, playing a round of the golf on the Old Course. Thousands of people gathered at the venue but were disappointed when Mr Obama avoided the front entrance.
The former president had visited St Andrews earlier, playing a round of golf on the Old Course.
The former president arrived in Edinburgh by private jet, on what is his first visit to Scotland.The former president arrived in Edinburgh by private jet, on what is his first visit to Scotland.
Crowds gathered in Edinburgh in advance of Mr Obama's evening engagement. A large crowd outside the charity dinner were told by police that Mr Obama would not be making a public arrival.
Stewart Kermack, 61, from Prestwick, said: "I came especially to see Obama. I think he is a great guy and was a very charismatic leader."Stewart Kermack, 61, from Prestwick, said: "I came especially to see Obama. I think he is a great guy and was a very charismatic leader."
Jody Mulvey, 20, from Edinburgh said: "I'm disappointed we didn't get to see Obama but I understand after everything that's going on right now."
The dinner at the EICC is thought to be one of his first major addresses since his term as president came to an end.The dinner at the EICC is thought to be one of his first major addresses since his term as president came to an end.
Tickets for a table of 10 at the event are understood to have cost about £5,000.Tickets for a table of 10 at the event are understood to have cost about £5,000.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will be at the dinner. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is at the dinner.
All of the cash raised will be split between children's charities in Scotland and the Obama Foundation.All of the cash raised will be split between children's charities in Scotland and the Obama Foundation.
Security is expected to be tight in Edinburgh as police step up resources around major events in the wake of the Manchester bombing.Security is expected to be tight in Edinburgh as police step up resources around major events in the wake of the Manchester bombing.
Comedian Kevin Bridges, singer Annie Lennox and Scottish band Texas will provide entertainment at the event and young people will also be involved.Comedian Kevin Bridges, singer Annie Lennox and Scottish band Texas will provide entertainment at the event and young people will also be involved.
Thirteen-year-old Mila Stricevic, from Glasgow, will read a poem after winning a schools competition.Thirteen-year-old Mila Stricevic, from Glasgow, will read a poem after winning a schools competition.
Mr Obama, a golfing enthusiast, had been joined in St Andrews by Sir Tom Hunter, whose charitable foundation had invited Obama to speak in Edinburgh.Mr Obama, a golfing enthusiast, had been joined in St Andrews by Sir Tom Hunter, whose charitable foundation had invited Obama to speak in Edinburgh.
After completing the third hole, Mr Obama spoke to the crowd who had been following him around the course.After completing the third hole, Mr Obama spoke to the crowd who had been following him around the course.
He shook hands with people and asked them how they were doing before heading back to play golf.He shook hands with people and asked them how they were doing before heading back to play golf.
The Hunter Foundation has previously arranged for US politicians and actors including Bill Clinton, Leonardo DiCaprio and George Clooney to come to Scotland.The Hunter Foundation has previously arranged for US politicians and actors including Bill Clinton, Leonardo DiCaprio and George Clooney to come to Scotland.
Last year, Leonardo DiCaprio travelled to Edinburgh to speak at the Scottish Business Awards at the EICC.Last year, Leonardo DiCaprio travelled to Edinburgh to speak at the Scottish Business Awards at the EICC.
Announcing Barack Obama's visit in April, Sir Tom said: "From the south side of Chicago to the White House has been an epic, historic journey and it will be a true honour to hear that story from the man who made that journey.Announcing Barack Obama's visit in April, Sir Tom said: "From the south side of Chicago to the White House has been an epic, historic journey and it will be a true honour to hear that story from the man who made that journey.
"We are both truly proud and delighted to be hosting the 44th president of the United States in Scotland at this event.""We are both truly proud and delighted to be hosting the 44th president of the United States in Scotland at this event."