As the convenor of another Highland gathering in Melbourne, I have the following hints for any future and hopefully annual event in Rosalind Park.

Portaloos are essential. Many more food stalls are needed. Gate entry, which could be run by the Rotary Club, with a nominal entry fee would either help Rotary or the organisers. 

I was born in Scotland and have a natural affinity with pipe bands. Both my sons have played at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo and I consider that the provision of a Highland gathering day in Bendigo is a wonderful thing. 

As noted last Saturday, bands from a fair distance travelled to Bendigo for this event and the number of bands can only increase over the years. 

The Highland dancing was also spectacular and things like the Caber tossing and other Highland events could be considered for the future. 

The clan stalls were also magnificent, and the stalls selling Scottish goods did a good trade as far as I could confirm. 

Golden City Pipe Band is to be congratulated for having the guts to jump in and grab this chance and I do hope that this becomes an annual event.

I am in my 88th year, but I still enjoy this type of entertainment.