The Gathering 2009 FAQs

What is a Scottish Clan and how do I find mine?

What should I wear to the event?

Will people mock me for wearing the traditional tartan regalia? 

Can I bring traditional weaponry to the event?  

Possible items to bring to the event

If I don't have a passport can I still take part in the parade? 

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

Will there be parking available at the event?

What should I expect to find at my clan tent?

How do I get to The Gathering?

Will I be able to leave and come back?

Will there be areas under cover if it rains?

What is a Scottish Clan and how do I find mine?

The term "clan" comes from the Scottish Gaelic word "clann" which means "children". The concept of  "children" (or "family") has bonded the Scottish people together for centuries. It also caused some of the bloodiest battles ever witnessed.

Scottish clans are formed around a common surname and those clans either lived in the highlands or lowlands; giving rise to the terms "highland clan" and "lowland clan". In reality, only highland families lived in the clan society we think of today. Lowland families also formed alliances around their surname but followed a looser governing structure.

For centuries, smaller family groups allied themselves with various neighbouring clans for protection and political strength. As a result, many American last names are now linked to at least one Scottish clan. So how do you find yours? There are a number of websites that can help but a good list can be found at http://www.electricscotland.com/.

Don't worry if you get to the games before you've located your clan connection. There are always people available to point you in the right direction. And if it turns out your last name isn't Scottish, don't give up. Many societies welcome affiliate members who don't have a drop of Scottish blood in their body! As long as you're interested in supporting the goals and programs of that particular organization, you can enjoy the benefits of membership regardless of your ethnicity.

An excellent, in-depth guide on Scottish Clans is the "Scottish Clan and Family Encyclopedia" by George Way of Plean and Romilly Squire.

What should I wear to the event?

One of the most frequent questions we hear is, "What do I wear to the games?" The answer? Anything you want to! The more tartan the better!

A good point of reference is "So You're Going To Wear The Kilt" by J. Charles Thompson. This is the definitive reference for proper Scottish attire and will keep you from making many social and stylistic errors connected with Scottish clothing. This information can be essential if you choose to dress in a more traditional manner or attend formal Scottish events.

MEN

EVERYDAY WEAR

Many men at the Highland games will wear kilts but many will not. If you're uncomfortable wearing a kilt, you'll find khakis or jeans along with a shirt embroidered with your clan insignia is also common.

Another popular option is a vest over a Jacobite or Kilt/Clansman shirt (period-style muslin shirt that laces up with leather or fabric). This lends a more historic look while still working well with jeans or kilts. And don't forget your hat! A Balmoral or Glengarry and clan badge pin is worn by most men - kilt or no kilt.

KILTS and TRADITIONAL SCOTTISH ATTIRE

If you choose to invest in a kilt, do some online research and talk to reputable companies before purchasing anything. A kilt is an expensive investment but one that will offer many years of wear if cared for properly - and you don't gain too much weight!!

Several variations of kilt-wear are seen at the games. Some men stick to traditional styles but others prefer the look made popular by "Braveheart" and "Rob Roy" known as the great kilt or breacan feile. Another type of kilt that's quickly gaining popularity is the kilt in different patterns and materials often in one colour.

The great kilt is worn in lieu of a traditional kilt and is essentially a 4 - 6 yard long piece of tartan fabric that's 55 - 60 inches wide (length depends on body size). It's gathered and pleated around a belt; wrapping the body in such a manner as to finish by hanging from the shoulder. The great kilt is normally worn with a Jacobite/Clansman shirt.

When worn properly, the great kilt is a very distinctive method of historical dress. But be forewarned. It gets dishevelled easily and thus, requires periodic attention throughout the day to keep it looking neat.

There are also a number of kilt accessories you'll see at the games. Some are appropriate for everyone but others are worn only by clan chiefs, drum majors or to extremely formal events.

A Final Note: Jokes are never ending about what a gentleman wears - or doesn't wear - under his kilt. You'll find that the choices range from nothing at all (!) to bike shorts, regular shorts, swim trunks or boxers. The choice is up to you!

WOMEN

Like the men, women should also feel free to wear whatever is comfortable for them. Those who choose to wear "something Scottish"; however, generally fall into one of two categories: everyday dress or period/historical costume.

EVERYDAY DRESS

You'll see a wide variety of everyday clothing at the games; from jeans to jumpers and everything in between. Clan-wear accessories such as tartan sashes, tams and clan crest pins are worn by many people. These items are readily available and aren't terribly expensive. A frequently seen item is a cape, shawl or ruana in tartan fabric. Another favourite is a pleated skirt; found in knee length ("kilted skirt") or ankle length ("hostess skirt") versions.

For those who sew, tartan material can be made into a number of unique items that are both appropriate and comfortable. Tartan skirts, jumpers, vests and blazers are frequently seen at the games. Fabric is available from a number of online sources and comes in various weights of wool, cotton and occasionally, raw silk, flannel or taffeta.

PERIOD/HISTORICAL COSTUME

Many women enjoy wearing period/historical costumes to the games. While occasionally cumbersome, it's quite striking and looks good on almost every body type.

Generally, there are two approaches you can take if you want to wear costume. For lack of a better term, they can be described as the "popular" style and the "re-enactor" style. Both have components that date between the mid 1600's to late 1700's and both appear to be historically accurate; however, students of costume history will find errors in the "popular" style. So, decide which way you want to go before you buy anything!

If you choose the "re-enactor" style, a good starting point is "Dressing for the '45: Assembling A Basic 18th Century Scottish Woman's Costume", copyright 2003 M. E. Riley. If you opt for the "popular" look, you'll need the following wardrobe components:

Chemise: a long-sleeve muslin or linen shift with gathered neckline and sleeves. Looks like an old fashioned nightgown. Usually ankle length but women who attend games in hotter climates have been known to cut them off at the waist! Colour should be natural muslin or complimentary to your tartan.

Bodice: a lace-up vest that's worn over the chemise. Usually made from heavy cotton, tartan, velvet, suede, or tapestry. Solid colour bodices should match the clan tartan. At highland games, the bodice is more conservative as opposed to the lower-cut style frequently seen at Renaissance fairs.

Skirt: ankle length and very full. Worn over the chemise. Made of heavy cotton or tartan. Solid colors may match or contrast the bodice as long as they're compatible with the clan tartan. Skirts can be split down the front to reveal the long chemise underneath and can also have a contrasting overskirt. Hoops are not worn with this style of period dress.

Bonnet (hat): usually a tam (beret) in solid wool or tartan. Sometimes, a snood is worn in place of a bonnet.

Arisaidh: (pronounced air-say). An outer wrap made from tartan material. Almost identical to the man's great kilt, the main difference is that the women's version is ankle length instead of knee length. Arisaidhs are made from two to three yards of 45 - 60" wide tartan fabric (amount varies according to the wearer's height and size) and require a leather belt or tie at the waist.

Making the Arisaidh: At one end of the fabric, the two corners are tied in a small knot and the right arm is run through the opening; allowing the yardage to hang from the right shoulder. A belt is secured at the waist on top of the fabric. The tartan is then pulled up underneath the belt until a large, draping fold is created. The remaining end of the fabric should line up with the bottom of the skirt (or slightly higher). Then, the drape is adjusted evenly around the waist at the belt line in soft gathers. This essentially creates an overskirt with a front slit and a large, draping piece hanging from the right shoulder. Finally, a clan pin or Scottish brooch can be added at the shoulder to secure everything in place.

In Conclusion: there are some negatives to wearing costume; most notably toilets, weather conditions and driving. However, despite the potential drawbacks, wearing period costume makes the event even more special and ultimately, you'll be glad you made the extra effort.

Will people mock me for wearing the traditional tartan regalia?

As many of the people attending The Gathering 2009 will never have been to a highland games before they may not be aware of the extent that people go to to look the part and fully engage in the spirit of the event. Therefore it is possible that people may be intrigued by this and in turn stare and make comments about what they see but this is more to do with experiencing something new rather than mocking people.

Can I bring traditional weaponry to the event?

Under the Criminal Law Consolidation Scotland Act 1995 the carrying of blades or sharply pointed articles are permitted in a public place if part of a national costume.  Therefore please do not carry weaponry in public unless wearing traditional Scottish dress.

If you are thinking of bringing weaponry to The Gathering 2009 please read the 'offensive weapons' section of the Act (in particular 49(5)(c)).

Possible items to bring to the event:

Folding chairs

Waterproof ground cloth if you plan to sit on the ground

Sturdy walking shoes

Cash for tickets, parking, and food

Sunscreen

Rain gear

Backpack or rolling tote bag - to carry your gear and purchases

If I do not have a passport can I take part in the Parade?

Unfortunately due to logistics and policing of the Clan Parade and Pageant it is essential that only those with a ticket take part. This element of the event is effectively part of the pageant and will be quite a spectacle for those watching as so many people will be dressed in their clan regalia parading up the Royal mile. People are more than welcome to come and watch the parade on the Royal Mile.

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.

Will there be parking available at the event?

We recommend Edinburgh's excellent public transport services to get to Holyrood Park as there is very limited, if any, parking near the event.

What should I expect to find at my clan tent?

At your clan tent you'll learn invaluable information about your family's Scottish connection and be greeted by friendly faces who want to extend a warm welcome.

Most clans have a guestbook they'd like you to sign. This keeps a record of how many people stopped by and clarifies demographics for that particular event. Signing does not obligate you to join the organization but some clans will use the information to add you to their mailing list. If you don't want to be contacted, just let them know.

Many of the Clan Chiefs will be present at The Gathering 2009 and can be found in or close to their clan tent.

How do I get to The Gathering 2009?

The Gathering 2009 is located in central Edinburgh and can be reached easily by foot from the Royal Mile, Princes Street, Edinburgh Waverley train station and the bus station. 

If you would prefer to go by bus then the numbers 35 and 36 go right to Holyrood Palace, whilst the 4, 5, 15, 19, 26, 34, 44 and 45 all pass along the nearby London Road (alight at Meadowbank Shopping Centre) which is around 5 minutes walk to the back entrances of Holyrood Park.  For more information see the Lothian Buses website.

Will I be able to leave and come back?

As long as you have proof of entry you will be able to exit and enter the event as often as you like on the day shown on the ticket.

Will there be areas under cover if it rains?

There will be a considerable number of tented areas within The Gathering 2009 that can be used if the weather is bad.  All major food and drink venues will also be under cover.