Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Bendigo tartan made its debut appearance this weekend as thousands poured into Rosalind Park for the annual Scots Day Out celebrations.
A large crowd lined View St to welcome VisitScotland chairman Mike Cantlay, SDO chieftain Kathryn Mackenzie and Mayor Rod Fyffe escorted by kilted warriors from Glen Lachlann Estate College of Arms before the arrival of pipe bands, dancers and clans.
Ms Mackenzie wore an outfit in the Bendigo tartan designed by Castlemaine’s Ulrike Barbara Von Radichevich.
“It a great honour to be chosen as chieftain and this will not be the last time my outfit in the Bendigo tartan will be worn,” she said.
“The tartan is about Bendigo – its rich history and wonderful future – and I’ll be wearing it on many more occasions to promote the vibrancy of our wonderful city.”
In Rosalind Park, the large crowd quickly snapped up initial stocks of products made in the Bendigo tartan as bands and dancers headed into competition and stalls selling haggis, venison Scotch tablet, shortbread and IRN-BRU were rushed off their feet.
Dr Cantlay praised the spirit of Scottish celebrations in Bendigo and the ongoing connection between Scotland and Australia.
“It’s a tremendous day. Well done Bendigo for bringing contemporary and traditional celebrations to this beautiful setting,” he said.
Cr Fyffe hosted a luncheon at Bendigo Art Gallery for Dr Cantlay and representatives of Scottish groups in Australia.
“Our art gallery was proud to showcase the splendid works of 19th century Scottish designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh in one of the first major international exhibitions brought to Bendigo in 2006,” Cr Fyffe said.
“We have a wonderful example of early adaptive reuse of gold rush-era buildings with the 1867 drill hall central to exhibition spaces in today’s modern gallery.
“The gallery was a very fitting location to honour Dr Cantlay’s visit to Bendigo as his country showcases its long contribution and influence in innovation, architecture and design around the world.”
SDO director Chris Earl said crowd numbers on Saturday showed growing strength in Bendigo’s love affair with all things Scottish.
“Bendigo has presented a significant major Scottish event at the same time the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has been performing in Melbourne.
“We have more than maintained crowd numbers despite a friendly rival sharing our date in 2016.”