The Gathering 2009

D.W.Livingston · Post by **D.W.Livingston** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 5:29 am

Hello Everyone, I was just thinking that The Gathering (http://www.thegathering2009.com/) is now only 1 year 11 months away. Any idea on what hotelslocations we should grab up and what is everyones thoughts on how close to July 2009 would ALL of Edinburgh be sold out? Should who ever is going have the reservation in before July 2008 or is that even to close for comfort. I would love to have as many people in the same hotel or hotel area so we can get together while there. What is EVERYONE's thought on this? Best Regards, David

Jill Richmond · Post by **Jill Richmond** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 6:16 pm

Hello David, I agree with you that we should perhaps be thinking about accommodation for the the Gathering in 2009. I am not sure how long before July 2009 hotels would be prepared to take bookings. I know they take them at least a year in advance and it could be that they take them earlier. I also agree that it would be splendid if we could all be in the same hotel. Another thing about us all staying in the place is that if a block booking could be arranged we would get better rates! However I feel that we must wait for Young Bachuil to make his wishes known as to what he would like us to do - if anything. I think we just have to wait for a little while longer. Best wishes, Jill

Kyle2 MacLea · Post by **Kyle2 MacLea** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 7:15 pm

Hi all, I don't think I could commit to something like that until at least next summer, so to me that seems a good time frame, even if it could be earlier to get the best choice.

Tommy Livingstone · Post by **Tommy Livingstone** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 10:19 pm

David, Totally agree that we should grab a hotel now and book it.

Kyle2 MacLea · Post by **Kyle2 MacLea** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 11:13 pm

Definitely, any footwork you're willing to do is great! Kyle=

D.W.Livingston · Post by **D.W.Livingston** » Thu Aug 30, 2007 5:25 pm

Thank you Tommy, I would appreciate any assistance. I for you, coming from out of country, would not know the difference of a good hotel from a bad hotel and from past experience finding a bad hotel doesn't make the vacation a fun one.

For everyone, I signed up at "TheGathering2009" for the newsletter, as I am sure some of you have also. For those who have not the first newsletter came out and I am attaching it to this message for anyone to read. =================================== "The Gathering 2009 - Edinburgh" August 2007 Welcome to the first newsletter of The Gathering 2009, this monthly newsletter will keep you up to date on all the developments in the preparations of the event. We will provide all the information you will need to know to make your visit to The Gathering, Edinburgh and Scotland in 2009 as stress-free, memorable and entertaining as possible. The Gathering 2009 is being held in Holyrood Park on 25th and 26th July 2009. It aims to be the largest international gathering of the clans ever held, and is one of the signature events of the Homecoming Scotland initiative. The Gathering will take the form of a classic highland games and will feature a clan parade up the Royal Mile followed by a unique commemorative clan pageant to be held on the Edinburgh Castle esplanade. NEWSFLASH Following the AGM of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs (SCSC) we now have the full support of the SCSC and an important development has taken place in which the SCSC will host a clan convention on Friday 24th July 2009. The audience for this event will be Clan Chiefs and senior clan association representatives. Additionally there will be a ballot for a number of additional tickets to this event in 2008. WEBSITE LAUNCH The Gathering 2009 official website will be launched in October 2007. The website will be full of information about the event and will develop more details over the following months. The website will also have a forum and blog, as well as downloadable podcasts and lots of fantastic footage of Edinburgh and Scotland. Tickets to The Gathering 2009 will go on sale in early 2008, although we will be taking reservations in late 2007 through the website and forms distributed worldwide. Applications for clan tents will be available from Oct 2007, please fill in the online form to apply. More detailed information will follow in September. TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION On our website we will be listing information about travel and accommodation within Scotland.

Jill Richmond · Post by **Jill Richmond** » Thu Aug 30, 2007 7:05 pm

Hello David, Thank you for posting the newsletter. I was looking at my email edition of the National Trust for Scotland this morning when I saw a link to the Gathering website

D.W.Livingston · Post by **D.W.Livingston** » Fri Aug 31, 2007 6:52 pm

Reading the Gatherings newsletter I know that most planning and organization will start around October of this year, when they officially kick it off. What I am wondering is if there is anyone in the forum who would be interested in volunteering to join a committee to get the Livingstone Clans part up and running. I understand that with it nearly 2 years away (Exactly 1 year, 10 months, and 24 days.. haha) that no one, outside of Scotland, could possibly give a definative "I'll be there" with rooms and air fare coming into play. Being a part of the committee is not saying that you will be there to set up tents or greet people at the Hotel door. All I would like to know is who would like to be in the planning stages of it. Do a little brainstorming, come up with some ideas on how to make it better for all. I will be the first to say I'd like to be in the committee, who is with me?!?

Once we get names we can talk off forum on what needs to be done and all ideas are welcomed.

Kyle2 MacLea · Post by **Kyle2 MacLea** » Fri Aug 31, 2007 10:35 pm

I'll definitely help work on the committee as time allows!

Jill Richmond · Post by **Jill Richmond** » Sat Sep 01, 2007 12:53 pm

I would be very pleased to help, David, in any way I can. I live in S.W. Scotland so maybe I can be of use. Jill

www.clanlivingstone.info