Clan Pageant and Parade FAQ's

Please be aware that the Royal Mile is just over a mile long, uphill, and at least half of that distance is cobbled.  Although we would love to see everyone take part in the Parade, we would also like you to consider if taking part in the Parade is the best option for you.

Can anyone take part in the Clan Parade?

Unfortunately due to logistics and policing of the Clan Parade and Pageant, only people who have a Gathering 2009 Passport can take part in the Parade.  A special wristband will be allocated to each individual taking part.  However, anyone who does not have a passport can watch the Parade along the route from Holyrood to the Castle.

Can I take part in the Clan Parade if I have a mobility problem?

Coaches will be provided for people who are registered wheelchair users.  They will be included in the Parade and will drop you off at the Castle Esplanade.  You should be aware that there are limited spaces for wheelchairs, therefore, it is essential that you let us know well in advance of the event.  We also ask that you inform us as to whether your wheelchair is manual or electric.

If you have a medical condition that needs additional support,  but would like to take part in the Parade,  transport will be provided to take you to as near to the Castle as possible  where you can join your clan for the last leg of the Parade to the Esplanade by foot.  However, you should be aware that this is quite a steep climb over cobbles.

What if I start the Parade but can’t finish?

The Gathering 2009 will provide transport to pick up any clan person who is unable to finish the Parade.  There will be designated areas along the route where you can wait to be picked up and be taken as near to the Castle as possible.  However, you should be aware that it will be at least half a mile on the Parade route before you come to the first pick up point and you will not be picked up until the Parade ends.

If I am a passport holder can I bring a child on the Parade and then onto the esplanade?

No one over the age of three will be admitted on the Parade and into the Pageant without a passport.  If you are intending to bring a child under the age of three please take into account children tire easily and the walk up the Royal Mile may be too much of a climb for them, along with the length and lateness of the whole event. Therefore we would recommend that if at all possible you do not bring anyone under the age of three on the Parade.  

Can I bring a pushchair on the Parade?

Due to the nature of the street, it is not recommended that you bring a push chair as they will be unable to negotiate the cobbles and there is nowhere to store the pushchair when you reach the Castle.  

Can I carry my child on the Parade?

For health and safety reasons, we cannot allow children to be carried on the shoulders of an adult in case they fall back and injure themselves and or the person behind them.  However, you may carry your child close to your chest in front of you.

Do I have to be a member of a clan to take part in the Parade?

No.  People will generally march in clan groups but there will almost certainly be a large number of people with no affiliation therefore they will just walk as a group.

Do I have to take part in the Parade to gain entry to the Clan Pageant?

It is not essential that you walk with the Parade to enter the Clan Pageant.  As long as you have a ticket you can go straight to the Castle esplanade with your ticket.

In what order will the clans Parade up the Royal Mile?

Clans will travel up the Royal Mile in alphabetical order.  This will be organised by The Gathering 2009 team at the designated meeting point.

Where is the meeting point for the Parade?

The meeting point is still to be agreed but it will be within the vicinity of Holyrood.  The exact time and place will be sent to you nearer the event.

How long will the Parade take?

It is estimated the Parade will take one to two hours to get all the clans up the Royal Mile.  

Can I pass out literature or badges etc.?

No. The Parade prohibits distribution of anything during the Parade.

What should I wear?

You are welcome to wear what you would feel most comfortable in.  However, given you are marching with your clan, it would be good to see you dress for the occasion in your clan’s tartan to make this the spectacle and historic event that we hope it will be.   You should also wear comfortable, sturdy shoes with grip as the Royal Mile is a cobbled street and if wet can become very slippery. Please do not burden yourself with any hand luggage, take a small purse if need be, as space is limited when seated at the Castle.

Will there be help available should I require it?

The Gathering 2009 will have stewards who are clearly identifiable walking alongside the Parade who will assist with any first aid calls, stumbles or any changes to the Parade that may occur.  There will also be water stations along the route of the Parade.

Will there be toilets provided on route to the Castle?

No. There will be no toilets on the Parade route, but there will be adequate toilet facilities upon reaching the Castle esplanade.

How many Banners can each Clan bring onto the Parade?

The Gathering will provide a steward to head up each clan who will carry the clan name that the Gathering 2009 will have made especially for the Parade.  Other than that we would anticipate that most Clans will come along with their Chief’s and armigers personal standards and banners plus the Clan/Society banners (only official clan banners can be paraded).

We are currently planning the Pageant, which may require the use of some of the banners.  Further detail will be supplied in 2009.  All other banners will be collected by The Gathering 2009 Stewards and taken back to Holyrood Park where they can be collected the next morning.

What happens to the clan banners once we reach the castle esplanade?

The banners will be collected in by The Gathering team.
 

What if it rains?

The Parade and Pageant will go ahead as planned but you should bring along a waterproof and as mentioned earlier,  shoes with grip as the cobbles can become very slippery if wet.   No umbrellas are permitted on the esplanade as they restrict the views of others.

Is there transport provided to take us back after the Pageant?

No.  You will be responsible for making your own way home.  However, there are a number of taxi stations close to the Castle and the local bus service runs until at least 2330hrs.

Our stewards will be on hand post event to make sure you leave the Castle esplanade safely and they will also point you in the right direction of taxis and bus stops.