Sgian-dubhs and don'ts of clan gathering

Clan members from dozens of countries have been urged to head to Edinburgh this summer for a festival celebrating the best of Scotland, "past and present".

But the thousands flocking to the capital for the world's biggest clan gathering this summer have today been told they risk arrest and up to two years in jail – for brandishing weapons.

Warning messages have been posted on the official website of The Gathering after police chiefs said they would take action against people waving swords or large knives when the event is staged at Holyrood Park and Edinburgh Castle in July.

Officials in the procurator fiscal's office have been asked to spell out what offences will land unsuspecting clan members in court. However it is thought the only acceptable form of weapon will be a small sgian-dubh tucked into the sock of anyone in traditional Highland dress.

The warnings issued by Gathering chiefs state that people could be jailed for up to two years for inappropriate use of a weapon and that anyone bringing one may have to prove it is part of an official costume to avoid the long arm of the law.

Organisers are urging people attending the Gathering to adopt a "common-sense" approach to avoid any problems at what has billed as the most spectacular event in Scotland since Sir Walter Scott's royal pageant of 1822 in Edinburgh.

Crowds of around 40,000 are expected to flock to Holyrood Park for the two-day Gathering, a centrepiece event of the Year of Homecoming celebrations.

The highlight is expected to be an 8,000-strong parade leading up to Edinburgh Castle esplanade, where a show charting the history of the nation will be staged. But despite being in the planning stages for over two years, agreement has still not been reached on a policy for dealing with people who bring along weaponry.

A source close to the event said: "We have basically been told by the police that a very firm view will be taken over anyone whose behaviour gives them cause for concern, but we have asked for clarification on exactly what that means. The last thing we want is scenes of people dressed in their finery being arrested for carrying a claymore."

Event director Jamie Sempill said: "We do not expect a huge number of problems. Anyone coming from overseas is highly unlikely to bringing any kind of weaponry because of the difficulties it could provide at customs, and we don't really think people will be wanting to cart big weapons around with them.

"However I have seen people at events around the world who look as if they have walked off a film set. Our basic advice is not to bring anything people have any doubts over. They should take a common sense approach and only bring a sgian-dubh."

A police spokesman said: "We are working closely with the event organisers, the city council and the procurator fiscal to agree a common position in relation to this issue. Whatever decision is taken will be communicated prior to the event, so that spectators and participants are given clear guidance as to what is and what isn't acceptable as part of the Gathering celebrations."

The Scotsman revealed last month that the Gathering was expected to generate at least 8 million for the economy.