Scotland's biggest ever Highland games

[Hamish]

I have already booked my favourite B&B in Edinburgh for that weekend (plus a few days!).

[kiltboytoo]

www.thegathering2009.com

Got-kilt.com is working on getting a package deal together where we could fill a plane and maybe do a mass camping to get our costs down to go over. If you are interested please drop me a line.

[Mael Coluim]

The Right Honorable the Lord Sempill of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs spoke at the various Clan meetings at the July Grandfather Mountan Highland Games. Being the acting secretary of my clan here are my notes. " Lord Sempill spoke on “The Gathering” that was planned for the 24 & 25 July 2009. The Gathering is to be an expression of appreciation of Scotland to her descendents abroad honoring their achievements. It was to be an opportunity for people of Scottish descent to return to Scotland to receive a generous hospitality from their mother country.



Initial plans were underway and more was to be announced when developments were more completed. The event would be in Edinburgh. It was foreseen afterwards the people would go their ancestral regions to be part of local Clan activities. There was establish a organization for planning and development “The Gathering 2009 Ltd” and a website www.thegathering2009.com has been launched with an initial homepage to be more fully developed as information is confirmed.

His purpose today, is to meet with the Clans at GMHG to get the word out so planning here can begin. President McCallum thanked Lord Sempill for this exciting information. He said he was excited about the announcement as he had hoped to have 2009 AMG in Scotland. With the news of The Gathering plans now could begin in earnest."


What I've learned since then is that it's part of Homecoming Scotland which has the following stated purpose:

We're a small country yet throughout history our people have made a big contribution to the world, leading the way in science, education and literature, to name just a few. Our rich heritage, authentic character and renowned hospitality have helped Scotland capture the heart of an extensive community across the globe. We call them AffinityScots; people who have an an affinity in some way with Scotland for example through family links; having previously visited, lived, worked or studied here; or who are members of associations of some kind with a Scottish connection.

Homecoming Scotland involves motivating AffinityScots from around the globe to travel to Scotland in 2009 and celebrate Scottish achievements we should all be proud of.

Five fantastic reasons to celebrate.

The Homecoming Scotland team will be working closely with businesses, community organisations, educational institutions and partners to create memorable celebrations built around the call to action 'Come To The Home Of...' and we have built up 5 pillars which will provide a focus for events and activities:-

Come To The Home Of Robert Burns, Scotland's famous and favourite poet
Come To The Home of Enlightenment and Innovation, how Scotland has shaped modern thinking and society
Come To The Home Of Golf, a worldwide sport
Come To The Home Of Whisky, a unique and global product
Come To The Home of Your Ancestors, 'Home' of millions of people living around the world
The 'Come To The Home Of...' call to action can also be used where there is a specific geographical or business opportunity.

Sounds like enough reasons for me to plan a trip to Scotland for 2009.

Come to think about it - what a chance for us XMTS to meet!

Pass the word on!

[Mael Coluim]

The Right Honorable the Lord Sempill of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs spoke at the various Clan meetings at the July Grandfather Mountan Highland Games. Being the acting secretary of my clan here are my notes. " Lord Sempill spoke on “The Gathering” that was planned for the 24 & 25 July 2009. The Gathering is to be an expression of appreciation of Scotland to her descendents abroad honoring their achievements. It was to be an opportunity for people of Scottish descent to return to Scotland to receive a generous hospitality from their mother country.



Initial plans were underway and more was to be announced when developments were more completed. The event would be in Edinburgh. It was foreseen afterwards the people would go their ancestral regions to be part of local Clan activities. There was establish a organization for planning and development “The Gathering 2009 Ltd” and a website www.thegathering2009.com has been launched with an initial homepage to be more fully developed as information is confirmed.

His purpose today, is to meet with the Clans at GMHG to get the word out so planning here can begin. President McCallum thanked Lord Sempill for this exciting information. He said he was excited about the announcement as he had hoped to have 2009 AMG in Scotland. With the news of The Gathering plans now could begin in earnest."


What I've learned since then is that it's part of Homecoming Scotland which has the following stated purpose:

We're a small country yet throughout history our people have made a big contribution to the world, leading the way in science, education and literature, to name just a few. Our rich heritage, authentic character and renowned hospitality have helped Scotland capture the heart of an extensive community across the globe. We call them AffinityScots; people who have an an affinity in some way with Scotland for example through family links; having previously visited, lived, worked or studied here; or who are members of associations of some kind with a Scottish connection.

Homecoming Scotland involves motivating AffinityScots from around the globe to travel to Scotland in 2009 and celebrate Scottish achievements we should all be proud of.

Five fantastic reasons to celebrate.

The Homecoming Scotland team will be working closely with businesses, community organisations, educational institutions and partners to create memorable celebrations built around the call to action 'Come To The Home Of...' and we have built up 5 pillars which will provide a focus for events and activities:-

Come To The Home Of Robert Burns, Scotland's famous and favourite poet
Come To The Home of Enlightenment and Innovation, how Scotland has shaped modern thinking and society
Come To The Home Of Golf, a worldwide sport
Come To The Home Of Whisky, a unique and global product
Come To The Home of Your Ancestors, 'Home' of millions of people living around the world
The 'Come To The Home Of...' call to action can also be used where there is a specific geographical or business opportunity.

Sounds like enough reasons for me to plan a trip to Scotland for 2009.

Come to think about it - what a chance for us XMTS to meet!

Pass the word on!

I'm a little suprised there isn't more excitement about this!