The Gathering 2014 – Upcoming Event News

[thescot]

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.