The Gathering 2009 – 25-26 July @ Holyrood Park, Edinburgh
With Homecoming Scotland gathering pace, one of the most exciting events of the year is all set to go ahead at Holyrood Park in Edinburgh and you don’t have to have a drop of Scottish blood to attend!
This once-in-a-life-time celebration of all things Scottish will bring together cultural events, traditional heavy Highland Games events, food festivals, pipe bands, story-tellers and an Oatcake Hill Race plus much much more.
The Duechars World Highland Games Heavy Events Championships will include classic events such as Tossing the Caber (the aim being not who can throw it furthest but which caber lands the straightest); Putting the Stone, the stones being up to 26 pounds in weight and Throwing the Hammer. If you cannot resist a swirling kilt, bulging biceps and the odd Gaelic grunt, then this is the event for you!
If you prefer swirling kilts without the biceps and grunts, the International Highland Dancing Championships will be much more up your street. With categories for all stages and ages of dancer from the beginner to the experienced professional, this promises to be one of the more popular events.
The Live Music Arena will be featuring the leading Scottish band Capercaillie, The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Gaelic Singer of the Year, Julie Fowlis and The Battlefield Band whilst in the Acoustic Tent performers such as Roddy Hart and Dàimh (pronounced Dive) are among many traditional and contemporary acts that will appear.
For a true taste of Scotland The Talisker Taste Experience will introduce visitors to the subtleties of classic malt whiskies but don’t miss the Food Fair where you will find a wonderful array of quality produce available from land and from sea.
With over 40,000 people from all corners of the world hoping to attend, you will need to book your hotel early to take part in one of the most spectacular events of the year.
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