The Chief of Clan MacThomas used The Gathering as a political platform, saying that the Scottish Government needs to make up its mind about the importance of the traditional clan system.
Andrew MacThomas of Finegand made special mention of the clan convention that had taken place the previous day to The Gathering, where clan representatives took part in a forum to discuss what future role they can create for themselves.
He explained: “My take of it really was this: I think it’s important that the Scottish government decides how important chiefs and the clan system are to the branding of a modern Scotland.”
At the same time the clan chief was impressed by the sizeable attendance in Edinburgh at the weekend for the historic event, though said many Scots are unaware of the massive popularity of similar events across the pond.
He explained: “What is extraordinary of course is that the Braemar Games in the Highlands attracts on average about 15,000 people, whereas great many people in Scotland won’t realise that the games in America attract somewhere near 100,000 people.”
In total 400 chiefs and representatives (125 clan chiefs) and 50,000 punters attended The Gathering in Holyrood Park at the weekend, which was part of the this year’s Homecoming celebrations.
They descended on the Scottish capital with their clans for this historic regrouping of exiles from all over the world.
