The Gathering 2014

**planemaker** · 13th October 12, 01:38 PM

Cool...we are already making our plans!

Slainte!

Paul and Susan

**Jock Scot** · 13th October 12, 01:43 PM

Order------counter order------dis-order.

**Chas** · 14th October 12, 05:39 AM

The more I hear the less I understand.

Why is it so important to go to Atlanta, Georgia to tell people about an event which we are now told is not a 'Gathering'. But in the same bulletin they say "Bannockburn is a natural pairing for the second Gathering as is explained in the SCSC press release." Anyway, I thought that 2009 had been the second gathering as there had already been one in the 70s.

Would it not be better for all these Chiefs (and the others who aren't going), to go round Scotland and tell the Scottish people what is going on?

And what is this "2nd International Clan Convention", that is going to be held instead of a gathering?

So what is the big draw, the big event, that is going to bring people from the other side of the world? Not a Highland Games, because that is happening separately.

And what is the "Council of Scottish Clans & Associations" and why is it involved? Can't Scottish people put on an event without consulting the Americans? A vast number of kilts worn today are made in Sialkot, so are the Chiefs off to Pakistan next?

In the words of Private Frazer from Dad's Army -

Dooomed, they're all Dooomed!

Regards

Chas

**Cecil** · 14th October 12, 06:40 AM

Well I guess it remains to be seen what will happen? My Chief Lorne MacLaine will be at this meeting in Atlanta. Looking forward to hearing what is to come and to begin the planning.

**thescot** · 14th October 12, 06:42 AM

Originally Posted by Chas

The more I hear the less I understand.

Why is it so important to go to Atlanta, Georgia to tell people about an event which we are now told is not a 'Gathering'. But in the same bulletin they say "Bannockburn is a natural pairing for the second Gathering as is explained in the SCSC press release." Anyway, I thought that 2009 had been the second gathering as there had already been one in the 70s.

Would it not be better for all these Chiefs (and the others who aren't going), to go round Scotland and tell the Scottish people what is going on?

And what is this "2nd International Clan Convention", that is going to be held instead of a gathering?

So what is the big draw, the big event, that is going to bring people from the other side of the world? Not a Highland Games, because that is happening separately.

And what is the "Council of Scottish Clans & Associations" and why is it involved? Can't Scottish people put on an event without consulting the Americans? A vast number of kilts worn today are made in Sialkot, so are the Chiefs off to Pakistan next?

In the words of Private Frazer from Dad's Army -

Dooomed, they're all Dooomed!

Regards

Chas

Chas, I wasn't consulted, but I would guess that the chiefs who will be in Atlanta next week chose the date for convenience as well as the opportunity to hit up something like 50,000 people. I'm pretty sure coming to Atlanta wasn't a requirement, but when you consider the number of US citizens who might be interested and the money they would bring, it sounds pretty wise to me that they might want to advertise here since they'll be in the neighborhood anyway.

Of course, there is no problem at all with "Scottish people put[ting] on an event without consulting the Americans," and if the Scots do not want American consultation or participation--or the money that comes with it--then that could easily be made plain to everyone, including the 50,000 coming to Atlanta. And the folks on Xmarks. And the it sounds like you do not want American participation. That's fair enough; an event that is aimed at one's own nation is admirable and fun and patriotic, but the chiefs, who seem to be behind this effort, might be the ones to whom you should carry your concerns. I had thought this was to be an international celebration of Scots and the clans (which would necessitate including other folks, like Americans), but a more localized, Scotland-centric event is another thing altogether, and perhaps that is what is intended. Perhaps I misunderstood. Perhaps the Tourist Board should not advertise the event.

I am personally happy to keep my money in my own pocket if it's not wanted somewhere. I always vote with my feet. Just tell me. I can handle it.

**Chas** · 14th October 12, 12:36 PM

Originally Posted by thescot

Chas, I wasn't consulted, but I would guess that the chiefs who will be in Atlanta next week chose the date for convenience as well as the opportunity to hit up something like 50,000 people. I'm pretty sure coming to Atlanta wasn't a requirement, but when you consider the number of US citizens who might be interested and the money they would bring, it sounds pretty wise to me that they might want to advertise here since they'll be in the neighborhood anyway.

Of course, there is no problem at all with "Scottish people put[ting] on an event without consulting the Americans," and if the Scots do not want American consultation or participation--or the money that comes with it--then that could easily be made plain to everyone, including the 50,000 coming to Atlanta. And the folks on Xmarks. And the it sounds like you do not want American participation. That's fair enough; an event that is aimed at one's own nation is admirable and fun and patriotic, but the chiefs, who seem to be behind this effort, might be the ones to whom you should carry your concerns. I had thought this was to be an international celebration of Scots and the clans (which would necessitate including other folks, like Americans), but a more localized, Scotland-centric event is another thing altogether, and perhaps that is what is intended. Perhaps I misunderstood. Perhaps the Tourist Board should not advertise the event.

I am personally happy to keep my money in my own pocket if it's not wanted somewhere. I always vote with my feet. Just tell me. I can handle it.

Jim - Do not put words in my mouth! That is not what I said, as you full well know.

You seem to have selectively missed the point of my post, which is that we have been given a lot of words and promises but it is a bit short on content. Any Bannockburn activity is being organised by an another agency. They want us top come, but what are they giving us to entice us.

I am personally happy to keep my money in my own pocket if it's not wanted somewhere. I always vote with my feet. Just tell me. I can handle it.

So, you are not coming because of a post I made? Oh I wish that I had so much influence.

I don't wish to argue, Jim, but just for the record:

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe (the world's largest arts festival), happens every year in Edinburgh. The 2011 Fringe sold 1,877,119 tickets for 41,689 performances of 2,542 shows, in 258 venues, over 25 days,for an average of more than 75,000 admissions and 1,360 performances per day. There were an estimated 21,192 performers, from 60 countries participating. And they have been doing this since 1947.

The Scots know how to put on an event, but so far we have seen precious little evidence of content for this event.

Regards

Chas

**thescot** · 14th October 12, 03:05 PM

Chas, it certainly was not my intent to put words in your mouth; that's why I quoted you. But the words you chose certainly seemed petulant at best.

I may not have known what you meant. All I know is what you wrote. That's all I had to go on, and while I do not wish to argue either, I note that you objected to "go[ing] to America" and "consulting the Americans," which seemed pretty clear in tone if not intent. I was more than a little offended, and I do not offend easily.

If I was wrong, then I apologize to one and all for my poor powers of perception.

**tripleblessed** · 15th October 12, 01:50 AM

Chas, am assuming from your body of posts that the tone sounded stronger here than intended there, and is likely linked to a dearth of info on plans amid a seeming swirling flux of uncertainties. Engendering frustrations. That said, Jim is correct; from here, it sounded a bit harsh. Divided by a common language? ...............Overlooked among friends, moving on.

On the website of the Stone Mountain Games, one can note that this is the celebration of surviving for 40 years. Important to us, if possibly not elsewhere. They are bringing the Earl of Caithness as the Guest of Honor, and also several of the past Guests of Honor. Add in several other chiefs and distinguished personages, and there will be at least 9 chiefs in attendance in a group of at least 14 very welcome distinguished guests. For here, on this side the pond, we feel blessed.

I seem to remember that the Council of Chiefs is involved in an ongoing project to demonstrate the economic impact of the clans and their activities on the overall economic health of Scotland. This is, I believe, to guide planning of future events and the requisite funding for same.

As you have noted, clarification is much wanted on the topic of events in 2014; they evidently agree with you and are feeling the weight of that need. In light of the presence of so much talent on the ground here and the fortuitous timing of same, this was probably added to an already scheduled session, tying together several streams of influence on said events. Not so much pandering to the colonials as a sensible use of time and resources. Add the opportunity to connect with the the at least 105 clans and societies who will be in attendance at these games.

Or maybe (as seems to be frequently thought here) I'm just full of it and have missed the point entirely.

**chewse** · 15th October 12, 05:57 AM

Is there an "official" website that provides the latest news concerning the 2014 Clan Gathering near Stirling? The links in Mael Colium's post are not working for me. Also, can someone explain the June dates for the Clan Gathering verses the July dates for the Stirling Castle celerbration? I'm really not dense but just trying to understand the differences.

**AcuteEnigma** · 15th October 12, 09:07 AM

It might make sense to wait for clarification until AFTER the meeting where these things will be decided. No?

I will be at that meeting Friday afternoon and will take notes and will tweet if they allow it.
@AcuteEnigma on Twitter.

There will also be a webcast of that meeting.

Cannot really give answers when these things have not been decided yet, but I will write down all these questions and take them with me and try to ask them for you.

Any other questions you want me to take along???

I wish to send a humongousthank you to the Chiefs for taking this on. It is a difficult and thankless task if we remember how Jamie was treated by some.

Just remember, to complain is to volunteer.