Gathering repeat fears

LOTHIANS Labour MSP George Foulkes has warned any repeat of last year's Gathering event must not be used as a "political flag-waving exercise".

The two-day clan gathering in Holyrood Park was organised by a private company, The Gathering 2009 Ltd, but received nearly 500,000 in grants from public bodies and then a "secret" 180,000 Scottish Government loan which was never repaid.

Speaking in the Scottish Parliament, Lord Foulkes asked Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop about any plans for another Gathering. He said: "A repeat Gathering would only be a success if the organising structure is soundly based and is not used by some people as a party-political flag-waving exercise."

Ms Hyslop said it was important to learn lessons, but also to build on success.