PART TWO: THE GATHERING 2009

Across the world they scattered, those brave men, women and children who launched forth from the rugged coasts of Scotland to venture across the seas into the territories of the New World. They were pioneers; they were fugitives from justice; they were missionaries and reformers. In the majority, however, they were simple, honest folk in search of a better life.

Countless thousands of them suffered enormously in their quest, but it was their spirit and determination that helped to build the foundations of North America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

The Scots are an enterprising race, but never more so than when abroad. Wherever they found themselves, be it the Americas, Australasia, Africa or mainland Europe, they made their mark. For such a small nation, the pioneering influence of its sons and daughters was truly astonishing, and, as a result, the worldwide dispersal of the Scots throughout the centuries has not only prospered, but created a network of international friendship among their descendants.

Today, there are more than 500 active Scottish Clan and Family Associations registered around the world. Each of these organisations plays an important part in the preservation and celebration of Scottish traditions.

International Gatherings of the Clans have been held in the past, but never on this scale. This, the largest homecoming of Scots in living memory, will take place in Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, during the weekend of 25th July 2009. The largest ever Hi...

To read the rest of this article you can do any of the following.

• By : Sally Toms
• In : Events
• Issue : 42
• Page : 17
• Words : 514