A huge crowd lined the streets of Maclean early on Saturday morning for the 112th Maclean Highland Gathering’s, Bands on Parade. A beautiful, crisp clear morning greeted those attending the street parade and by 8.30am the sound of bagpipes resonated throughout the streets of Maclean. The parade was lead by the Maclean and District Pipe Band who made a real statement, decked out in their new long sleeve blue shirts, with silver pipe cords on their bagpipes and trim flashers on their socks. Pipe major Matt McLeod said that the band has changed and presents a new fresh look, including a new drum. “We’re trying to re identify ourselves a bit,” he said. “When we practise at the showground each week, we get all the campers checking us out. “They just love it,” said Mr McLeod. “The guys (in the band) are putting in a massive effort and they are all ages. “I’m happy with the effort we’ve put in.” The Scottish events held at the Maclean Showground were a huge success with more and more competitors taking part and enjoying the fun of the Highland Games. The Highland Dancing Competition had 65 dancers who travelled from Sydney in the south to Mackay, north Queensland, competing in 50 dancing events. The gathering concluded on Saturday afternoon with the popular Massed Band event which only just finished as a huge storm approached.