Community News

Renowned Canadian piper to highlight at Maclean gathering

Maclean will come alive over the Easter weekend, when Scots from across the country invade the town for the annual Easter Maclean Highland Gathering this year.

The management committee of the Lower Clarence Scottish Society met last Thursday night to finalise plans for the 116th event.

Secretary Alister Smith confirmed that the event was coming together with strong support from bands and solo competitors. A panel of top adjudicators are engaged to oversee the running of the event.

The committee was pleased to hear that Glen Brown (pictured), a Canadian gold medallist, will be the guest judge and the guest piper for the piping recital. The recital is a popular event at the Maclean Services Club on Easter Saturday night.    

Glen Brown is a native of Milton, Canada. He began playing at the age of nine and piping is in his blood, as he was originally taught by his mother, Gail Brown, who he still lists as one of his favourite pipers. Glen comes to Maclean with a string of world prizes listed to his name which also involve world titles playing with the Shotts and Dykehead Caledonia pipe band.

The pipes are calling and Maclean never fails to call the best for the big event this Easter weekend, April 10th and 11th. The event will attract some 600 competitors who will light up the town, when competing in many events, such as, bands, solo piping and drumming, Highland dancing and Highland sport.  Caber tossing and log wrestling both for men and ladies, are two of the many sporting events that draw strong interest from the public to participate.  

The event will close by a massed band display, a sight not to miss, as the sun dips to set the screen of mass colour and sound. 

Voluntary gate keepers and urgently needed this year, as many experience gate keepers and not available. 

Gate keepers work a two hour shift assisting on the gates at the Maclean showground on Easter Saturday.  

Please help by calling 6645 2887 to assist on the gate roster.