About The Gathering

The Gathering 2009 is a celebration of the culture and history of Scotland. Thousands of Scots from around the globe will come together in Edinburgh on 25 and 26 July 2009 for the greatest international clan and family gathering the world has ever seen.

Holyrood Park will be home to a magnificent festival celebrating the very best of Scotland, past and present. Visitors will enjoy the largest Highland Games ever held in this country which includes the Deuchars World Highland Games Heavy Events Championship, piping, Highland dancing competitions, hill racing and a clan village of around 120 clan tents. There will be a chance to experience a flavour of contemporary and traditional Scotland with high-quality textiles, leading malt whiskies, fine foods, crafts, genealogy, storytelling and live music.

The centrepiece of the weekend is a Clan Parade, when members of 140 clans and family societies will march along the Royal Mile to attend an Historic Pageant on Edinburgh Castle Esplanade where the dramatic story of Scotland’s history will unfold before the 8500-strong audience.

The Gathering 2009 is a unique celebration and a signature event of Homecoming Scotland 2009.