|  |     The International Gathering of the Clans is held in Scotland and Nova
    Scotia (I beleive it's in Nova Scotia every 2nd or 4th year). It will
    be in Nova Scotia this year.
    
    The Gathering starts during the last week of June with the Nova Scotia
    Tattoo, held at the Metro Center in Halifax. The Tattoo is a fantastic
    show put on by military bands, civilian bands, pipe bands, highland
    dancers, etc. It also includes military competitions such as the 'Gun Run'.
    They usually do 4 shows during the week. If you are going to be in Halifax
    at this time, I would highly recommend this event.
    
    The Gathering lasts for the remainder of the summer up to about
    mid-September. Some of the events include the Metro Highland Games in
    Halifax (first weekend of August) and the Antigonish Highland Games in
    Antigonish (mid-July). The Highland Games feature pipe band
    competition, highland dancing, the Scotish Heavyweight competition,
    tug-of-war competition and track and field events.
    
    The last event of the year for the Gathering is the 'Kirkin of the
    Tarten', held in New Glasgow in September. If you want some literature
    on the Gathering you could contact the Nova Scotia Department of
    Tourism at (902)424-4247. You can call (902)425-5781 for
    information on accommodations.
    
    Have fun !
    
    Pat MacNeil
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