CLANS and Pipers will descend on Bendigo today for the inaugural Scots Day Out event
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Cultural celebrations will see visitors from across the state parade through the View Street precinct to Rosalind Park, where traditional Scottish festivities will begin.
Event director Chris Earl said the event, organised by the Golden City Pipe Band, would show off the Bendigo community’s imagination.
“I think the whole concept of having a free community day has been a reason why there has been such strong interest shown,” he said.
“It is going to be a fantastic day for Bendigo.”
Pipe bands and dancers will pit their skills against one another and stalls will feature clan history and crafts.
Dancers from across the state will also contest the first Central Victorian Highland Dancing Classic.
Mr Earl said the Rotary Club of Bendigo South would be on hand to cook haggis burgers.
Bendigo secured the event after an annual Melbourne gathering was stopped.
Mr Earl said Bendigo had a strong Scottish heritage and it was important to recognise and celebrate the impact Scottish people had had on the community.
“Per capita there are more pipe bands in this city than in any other community in Victoria,” he said “Bendigo has a great Scottish heritage and it is important to celebrate the journey we have been on and to celebrate where we are today.”
Mr Earl said today’s celebrations would be similar to a traditional Scottish celebration known as Ceilidh’s Corner.
“Every Sunday in Scotland the community would come together and celebrate in song and dance,” he said.
“I am really excited to see how the day goes.”
Mr Earl thanked the City of Greater Bendigo for its support throughout the planning of the event.