The Gathering 2014

[billsides]

I was shocked when I got to Scotland and found out how few people from Scotland knew about the previous event. I saw the same people I see all the time in Seattle, I wanted to interact with Scots. I did see/meet some and did enjoy some of the events but it could have been so much better. I will be back to Scotland but not to one of these events. The potential was huge to start a tradition.

I was at The 2009 Gathering but point out that locals were not being focussed on simply because the Gathering was part of The Year of the Homecoming, a Government supported idea to get people to visit Scotland. Locals had endless opportunities to read about it and take part. It was very successful and I saw claims that 40,000 overseas visitors attended. Even if overstated, an enormous number of overseas visitors left vast amounts of overseas money in Scotland so to say it was bad is mischievous. I for one added over 20,000 pounds to the Scottish economy but only my Gathering entry fee was counted because nobody knew about the rest. I had two weeks of accommodation, the Tattoo, special dinners, saw shows that were part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, had a quality kilt made, went on the fabulously expensive Royal Scotsman train, hired cars and toured the country and of course bought meals there. I spent it because I went to The Gathering. Crying still going on over its losses because they don't consider the greater picture and reason for holding it. Most visitors left big money in the country, locals don't do that. To hold another Gathering in 2014 aimed at overseas visitors makes commercial sense but sadly many opportunities were missed in 2009. Despite pleas not all Scottish Clans synchronised activities with when overseas clan members were there. They all knew about The Gathering because many had tents at it. Locals have many Highland Gatherings to choose from so, for the Gathering to be special, it must be pitched at those living outside Scotland with Scottish links. Will I go in 2014? Yes and I am actually going to Scotland this August solely because of the great time I had prior so income from the 2009 Gathering actually continues to this day but detractors won't consider that of course!

Come on 2014, Scots should learn from their mistakes and stop their endless knocking. It was still being knocked this week with front page headlines in the Scotsman newspaper. That sort of attitude won't help them get 2014 off the ground.

Bill