Scottish festival goes international

SCOTTISH ancestors will be celebrated by men and women in tartan blowing bagpipes and performing quick steps and jumps at Cambridge High in East London next month.

The Eastern Cape Highland Gathering, from 8.30am to 5pm on September 3, is expected to attract 1 000 South Africans with Scottish ancestry from around the country, convener Dave Rankin says.

But because the event takes place during the heritage months, hosts the East London Caledonian Society have invited anyone to join in. Those coming include ninjas. Rankin said: “Although the main events are the Highland dancing and pipe-band competitions, the gathering is also a wonderful opportunity for other persons to publicise their activities.”