Clan bash plans get green light despite ‘problems’

Published on 01/11/2012 01:13

Plans for a clan event in Stirling “appear to be coming together well” despite the cancellation of an official gathering and notes of caution from an international society, according to Scotland’s tourism body.

Stirling Council has cancelled Clans 2014, a follow-up to the troubled Gathering 2009.

The convener of Holyrood’s Economy, Energy and ­Tourism Committee Murdo ­Fraser ­described the cancellation as “a blow” to Scotland’s Year of Homecoming plans in 2014.

VisitScotland chairman Mike Cantley told the committee: “Stirling Council bought the intellectual property rights for The Gathering, and intended ­initially to host a Gathering in mid-July in 2014.

“Subsequent to that though, in conversation with partners, the council decided that it would be better to support the National Trust for Scotland’s (NTS) plans to celebrate the ­Battle of Bannockburn at the end of June, which is also held in the city.

“My understanding is there will be a clan event at that time during the event. It will include features such as a clan ­convention and clan parade.”

Earlier this month Stirling Council cancelled Clans 2014 “due to the scale, complexity, and reputational and financial risks inherent with a gathering-style event”. All mention of Clans 2014 was deleted from the council website.

Following the cancellation the US Council of Scottish Clans and Associations (Cosca) sent an email to its 60,000 members urging them to “to put plans for travelling to Scotland in 2014 on hold” amid “confusion ­surrounding 2014”.

VisitScotland contacted Cosca and it issued a second e-mail ­stating it is no longer “confused” but remains “patient” for plans to come together.

“Americans are generally ­prudent people and prefer to know the facts of a situation prior to acting,” the e-mail states.

Mr Cantley told MSPs that Cosca and its counterparts in Scotland are “very pleased” with the plans that are unfolding.

“It would appear to be coming together well,” he said.