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THE first Scots Day Out has been hailed a roaring success.
More than 2000 people, many decked out in tartan kilts, travelled to Rosalind Park for Saturday’s festivities.
The day started with about 300 pipe band members from 11 groups marching down View Street to the applause of several hundred spectators.
Attendees, some of whom had travelled interstate to attend, watched dancing and musical performances in what organiser Chris Earl said was a great first event.
“There’s a fantastic buzz around,” he said.
“Bendigo has absolutely embraced the Scots Day Out.
“The level of energy and excitement down View Street and in Rosalind Park is just fantastic.
“People have said it’s the best venue for this type of event and that it’s easy to get around and talk to the various clans and family and friends. It has exceeded expectations.”
Mr Earl said the date had been reserved for a similar event in Berwick for the last 25-odd years.
“Berwick chose not to have it and Bendigo jumped at the opportunity and has embraced it,” he said.
Melbourne resident Neil Smith travels to about six Scottish festivals in Victoria and NSW each year.
He said the Scots Day Out was one of the better events he had attended.
“We’re really enjoying ourselves,” he said.
“It’s our first time here but it’s been great.
“I think it will go from strength to strength and get bigger.”
Mr Smith was one of several stallholders offering research material for people to trace their clan history and ancestry.
“A lot of people have stopped by and asked us for information,” he said.
“It’s well organised given the short notice.”
Victorian Scottish Union president Hayley Rose, who ran a similar stall, said people had been keen to look into their history.
“We’ve got books to help people do that and a lot of people have come by to research their history,” she said.
Pipe band and highland dancing results
Pipe band winners:
Grade 2: Moorabbin
Grade 3: Williamstown RSL
Grade 4: Daylesford
Juvenile: Scotch College
Central Victorian Highland dancing winners:
Premier 19 years and over: Leonie FInalyson
Premier 14-18 years: Tayla Currey
Premier 13 years and under: Seonaid McCormack
Intermediate: Eryn Law
Novice: Samantha Henwood
Beginner: Cailey Finalyson