The Gathering got off to a perfect start in Edinburgh on Saturday as over 20,000 people and 125 clans enjoyed brilliant sunshine and a family atmosphere at the historic Scottish occasion.
The skirl of the pipes mixed with accents from all over the world as Scotland’s diaspora made the pilgrimage home to find their roots, mingle with their fellow clansmen or just enjoy the explosion of music and tartan.
North America, where the clan societies enjoy huge popularity, was heavily represented, while tourists and representatives from all over Europe and Asia mixed with the local Scots who had arrived en masse in the city.
The clan chiefs took the chance to meet and greet their kith and kin, while other visitors traced their family names to discover which tartan they should be sporting in the first place.
Prince Charles, the Patron of the Gathering, was on hand in his official role to launch the proceedings and First Minister Alex Salmond was also there to bask in the shadow of the Parliament.
Independence protestors took the opportunity to unfurl a banner on the looming mass of Arthur’s Seat, but the mood on the ground was resolutely jovial; far better natured than most family get-togethers.
A taste of “the best in Scottish food” was on offer for some, but for most a too-long wait for a messy burger and a warm beer in a plastic cup painted a truer picture of the typical local cuisine as the vendors struggled to cope with the huge demand.
