Sixteen pipe bands will hit the streets of Maclean this Easter Saturday at 8.30am, to commence the bands on parade march. The bands will assemble down at McLachlan Park and march through the CBD and halt at the Maclean library, before dispersing to the Maclean showground to commence a full day of pipe band contests in 4 grades at 10.30 am. This year Maclean has added a juvenile pipe and drum major contests and a veteran contest. On Friday afternoon the solo contest in both piping and drumming will commence at 12.15 pm, at the Maclean showground. Friday night, the solo contest will move into Maclean centre, in three venues to cater for the large entries in the A grade piping: the council Foyer, the civic hall and the Salvation Army church. Friday night at 7.15 pm, the action will move to McLachlan Park to commence the Scottish Ceilidh, a night of family entertainment under lights. McLachlan Park is an open air venue and the public are asked to bring a chair or a rug to assist with their comfort during the show. Massed bands are always a huge crowd pleaser and the public can witness two displays, one on Friday night at the Ceilidh and one on Saturday afternoon at the showground. Highland dancing is another popular art of Scottish culture and, again, this year Maclean has attracted big entries. The dancing contest is one of talent and colour and not to be missed. The Highland dancing contest starts at 9 am at the showground venue. Highland sport is another event that has grown over the years and Maclean has attracted some big men this year to do battle across several events. Tossing the caber and log wrestling are probably the most popular events, and competitors need tons of muscle power to push them over the line. Women these days, not to be out done, are now highly competitive in this once men-dominated sport. Easter Saturday is all Scottish in Maclean, as there is so much to see and do, starting with bands on parade at 8.30 am, Easter community markets all Saturday morning, a full day’s programme at the showground, ending with a piping recital at the Maclean service club at 8.30 pm, and finishing the night late at the Maclean Hotel for a fun Ceilidh party night. Fast food and set down meals are avail at the showground venue, along with many Scottish stalls, a publican booth and fun event for children. Not sure what to do over this Easter weekend, then head for Maclean and treat yourself to a full day of Scottish activities on Saturday.