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Clan chiefs in historic gathering Clan chiefs in historic gathering
(1 day later)
Thousands of people are expected in Edinburgh for the world's largest clan meeting and Highland Games. Thousands of people have gathered in Edinburgh for the world's largest clan meeting and Highland Games.
The Gathering will form the centrepiece of the Homecoming celebrations, to mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of national bard, Robert Burns. The Gathering forms the centrepiece of the Homecoming celebrations, to mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of national bard, Robert Burns.
It will culminate with a clan parade along the Royal Mile and a pageant on the esplanade at Edinburgh Castle. It culminates with a clan parade along the Royal Mile and a pageant on the esplanade at Edinburgh Castle.
Organisers said demand for tickets had been "phenomenal", despite the event not selling out.Organisers said demand for tickets had been "phenomenal", despite the event not selling out.
The convention will see 100 of Scotland's clan chiefs assembled together for the first time in recorded history. The convention was to see 100 of Scotland's clan chiefs assembled together for the first time in recorded history.
Clan parade Hundreds of clan representatives from across the world are also in attendance.
Hundreds of clan representatives from across the world will also attend. The first minister said the event has been a great success
The Gathering will get under way on Saturday, with the Highland Games in Holyrood Park. The Gathering got under way on Saturday, with more than 20,000 people watching the Highland Games in Holyrood Park.
They will feature a heavy events championship, piping and dancing, as well as showcasing the best of the nation's food, drink, crafts and textiles. It was officially opened by the Duke of Rothesay, who said it was a unique event.
On Saturday evening there will be a clan parade along the Royal Mile from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, ahead of the world premier of the play Aisling's Children: Tales of the Homecoming, which portrays the story of Scotland's history. "It seems to me that today's event represents the stirring meeting of Scotland's history and its living heritage," he said.
The Gathering, set up in 2007, has been given funding from EventScotland, Edinburgh City Council and Scottish Enterprise. "Where else could you find a gathering of this scale?
"To which other country would so many have come from all over, and how else would you expect it to be celebrated, other than in the context of a great Highland Games?"
First Minister Alex Salmond said the event, which has attracted people from 40 countries, was more than just a marketing tool for Scotland.
"Obviously the Homecoming year has a visitor aspect to it," he said.
"But all of these people are celebrating their heritage and roots.
"These are deep roots and affinities that stretch back centuries. To mobilise that wonderful diaspora to make a contribution to the future of our country is a massive thing."
The event, set up in 2007, has been given funding from EventScotland, Edinburgh City Council and Scottish Enterprise.