Edinburgh gathering - 2009

**Mael Coluim** · 19th July 09, 04:39 AM

ROYAL PATRON TO FORMALLY OPEN THE GATHERING 2009
His Royal Highness Prince Charles, The Duke of Rothesay, Patron of The Gathering 2009, together with The Duchess of Rothesay, are to attend the Homecoming’s centrepiece event in Edinburgh on Saturday 25 July.

The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay will meet Clan representatives and participants in the Highland Games in Holyrood Park, before the Duke officially opens The Gathering 2009.

Lord Sempill, Co-Director of The Gathering 2009, said: “We are delighted and honoured that Their Royal Highnesses are joining us for this magnificent celebration. It is a great compliment, and we look forward to welcoming them to what will be the greatest international gathering of the clans.”

The world-class Highland Games on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July will be home to 125 clans as well as the Deuchars World Highland Games Heavy Events Championship, piping, and Highland dancing. Other highlights of the festival which celebrates Scotland’s culture include food and crafts fairs, whisky tastings, genealogy and live music.

From the The Gathering Web Site.

**Phil** · 19th July 09, 04:57 AM

I saw that. They will be staying next door in Holyrood Palace. I somehow don't think I will be introduced but it is nice they will be there to give the thing a bit more prominence.

**Paul** · 19th July 09, 10:20 AM

Originally Posted by Mael Coluim

ROYAL PATRON TO FORMALLY OPEN THE GATHERING 2009
His Royal Highness Prince Charles, The Duke of Rothesay, Patron of The Gathering 2009, together with The Duchess of Rothesay, are to attend the Homecoming’s centrepiece event in Edinburgh on Saturday 25 July.

The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay will meet Clan representatives and participants in the Highland Games in Holyrood Park, before the Duke officially opens The Gathering 2009.

Lord Sempill, Co-Director of The Gathering 2009, said: “We are delighted and honoured that Their Royal Highnesses are joining us for this magnificent celebration. It is a great compliment, and we look forward to welcoming them to what will be the greatest international gathering of the clans.”

The world-class Highland Games on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July will be home to 125 clans as well as the Deuchars World Highland Games Heavy Events Championship, piping, and Highland dancing. Other highlights of the festival which celebrates Scotland’s culture include food and crafts fairs, whisky tastings, genealogy and live music.

From the The Gathering Web Site.

Im not a royalist at all be he is my favourite

I think itll bring the event more exposure and perhaps encourage a few more people to attend

**Mael Coluim** · 19th July 09, 10:32 AM

Heading for the airport within the hour. Won't be around the forum for a couple of weeks. Will be with fellow XMarkers on the other side of the pond.
Looking forward to being with all of you on this grand adventure.

**Paul** · 19th July 09, 10:37 AM

Originally Posted by Mael Coluim

Heading for the airport within the hour. Won't be around the forum for a couple of weeks. Will be with fellow XMarkers on the other side of the pond.
Looking forward to being with all of you on this grand adventure.

See you in 5 days or so!
Have a safe and enjoyable 5+ hour journey!

**AcuteEnigma** · 20th July 09, 10:09 AM

What time do the games officially open as in Opening Ceremonies?

**Paul** · 20th July 09, 12:35 PM

It doesnt say but since the gates open at 9 and main events start about 9:30 Im guessing it could be inbetween them... either that or a little later into the morning (11am)
Im trying to make it for around 9:30

**Stratherrick** · 21st July 09, 10:06 AM

Not to put a dampener on the proceedings, me and my family are still travelling the 100 miles north to the capital, but here's one aspect that awaits:

http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/Sb3qf...gh+Streets+Bin

Roll on Saturday!

Cheers

Bruce

**Phil** · 21st July 09, 11:01 AM

Yes, the bin men are on a "go slow" so nothing new there then. The word is an all-out strike in August to make a mess of the Festival so we will await that with eager anticipation. At the moment the Council are likely to divert resources to anywhere likely to feature in the media (like the Gathering) so I wouldn't worry about the environs of Holyrood/Royal Mile/Castle. Sadly the rest of Edinburgh is a complete mess with roadworks/tramworks and Princes Street, Leith Walk, Haymarket etc.. Just keep your camera focussed upwards and pretend it isn't there.