The gathering got off to a perfect start in Edinburgh on Saturday through to Sunday as 50,000 people and 125 clans enjoyed brilliant sunshine and a family atmosphere at the historic Scottish occasion. The Strathleven Artizans were honoured guests on behalf of the Bruce family. They were welcomed by Lord and Lady Elgin, sons Charles Bruce (Lord Bruce), Adam Bruce (The Honourable), Alexander Bruce (The Honourable) and with their wives and sons.

The skirl of the pipes mixed with accents from all over the world as Scotland’s diaspora made the pilgrimage home to find their roots, mingle with their fellow clansmen or just enjoy the explosion of music and tartan. The clan chiefs took the chance to meet their kith and kin, while the visitors traced their family names to discover which tartan they should be sporting in the first place.

He clan societies enjoyed huge popularity and were heavily represented, while tourists and representatives from all over Europe and Asia mixed with the local Scots who had arrived en masse in the city. Prince Charles, the Patron of the gathering introduced himself to our very own Bowman Jim Tannock and welcomed him with a handshake. No doubt a knighthood is on the cards. Not to outdo himself Jim was then spotted by Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond, making his way over to greet Jim.

With hints of there ‘being a murder’…Taggarts John Mitchie was subjected to shouts by the Artizans of “there’s been a murder” which he took with good faith and a laugh and another celebrity John Seargent from Come Dancing, waltzed past the Bruce tent.

On behalf of the Strathleven Artizans we would like to give a huge thank you to Lord Elgin and his family for giving us the great honour of representing the Bruce family on this fantastic celebration of Scotland’s clans and being a part of the parade which marched proudly up the Royal mile towards the castle to enjoy the pageant. THE BRUCE!!

By Paul Hunter