My Wee Trip to the Edinburgh Gathering

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As I made my way from Waverley railway station up Cockburn Street I met Craig, from Dumfries, who pulls pints in the Coach and Horses, sometimes joins our Dumfries kilt nights and who lurks here.

I paused for lunch on the Royal Mile, here waiting for my bowl of pasta and meatballs and cafe latte to arrive.

While sitting at lunch Robin and Michelle from Holland appeared.

I had arranged to meet Leslie from my clan society and she was waiting to meet me when I arrived at the gathering.

We had some people to meet, Leslie is seen here with David Sellar, Lord Lyon King of Arms.

Next we met with Sir Crispin Agnew of Lochnaw.

Besides our clan society, Leslie and I had much in common, she is a Deputy District Attorney and I am a former Assessor in the Scottish District Courts.

I had arranged to watch Hawick Scout Fellowship Pipe Band perform at 3pm but I missed the performance as it had been brought forward by an hour. Here is Malcolm Bruce, Pipe Major to the band.

Also there was acaig.

Drummer George Thom and a grandfather of a young band member posed for a photo with acaig.
More to come shortly.

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Three of the adult pipers from Hawick Scout Fellowship Pipe Band.

Alan and I went to look at the stalls where we met up with Tam Blackwood.

Tam's daughter in law took this shot of the three of us together.

A view of part of the gathering site with the hill called Arthur's Seat in the background.

Plenty of glaur to wade through, not a place for clean footwear.

I had hoped to see some heavy events.

However the heavies were taking a break

Shotts and Dykehead Pipe Band were marching in to play on the arena. Unlike a regular Highland Games where a pipe band contest runs simultaneously with heavy events in separate arenas, here the bands and the heavies were sharing the arena turn about.

At the Highland Dancing too there seemed to be a lot of standing around.

So there was time for a further bonding session with my fellow clansman.
More to follow.

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When the Montgomeries marched on the Cunningham tent, including the son of their Chieftain on left, it looked as though a centuries old feud was about to erupt again with ransacking, pillaging and burning of clan tents on the agenda and that Leslie and I might need to stick around and help our Clan Cunningham USA hosts.

After some good natured ribbing with the Montgomeries peace was restored and while Leslie went to help staff a tent for another clan I went off to meet the rabble. I spotted the dandelions and introduced myself to Old Hiker, Luckey and Mael Coluim.

We were joined by Tam Blackwood but disappointingly no more of the xmarks rabble appeared.

Later, though, we were joined by Robin.

An overview of the gathering ground from the hill opposite.

A last view from the summit of the Salisbury Crags showing the gathering ground in its geographical context.

[Niblox]

Aaagh! I missed you Alex, I was there today!! I was wandering around in a yellow cycling jersey (and probably stuck out like a sore thumb). Enjoyable but it would have been great to meet up with a couple of x-markers.

[Sir William]

Alex,

I remember seeing Leslie on Saturday.

Glad you could make it to the Gathering. It was pretty busy on Saturday but we were able to see or do most of what we wanted to.

[pdcorlis]

Astounding Alex - what a wonderful set of photos! You sure know how to pack an adventure into a "wee trip."

[HeathBar]

Great pictures Alex. The Montgomerie there is Hugh Montgomerie. He and his family now live in Franklin, Tennessee. What was your impression of the attendance?

[kscaddo]

I always enjoy your pictures Alex. These are great! Thank you for posting.

[Chas]

Excellent pictures as always Alex. I've been sat at home all day trying not to resent all those that went. I hope that the day was as good for all XMarkers as it was for you.

Regards

Chas

[Darkislander]

Great photos Alex, did it get any busier? I saw tickets still being advertised right up to the near start.