FIRST, I would like to apologise to Lord Sempill, Jenny Gilmour and Peter Lederer (Letters, 27 April) for any upsets my plans have caused over the past fortnight and for any inaccuracies in my figures. We are all on the same side in trying to boost Scottish tourism and, in particular, ensuring that Edinburgh is as busy as possible for the weekend of the Gathering, on 25-26 July.
Second, it is with great regret that I have decided to abandon plans to organise Fringe Gatherings on a large scale; there has been a conspicuous lack of interest from prospective participants, tournament organisers, performers and promoters to attem
pt anything this year, but the seeds are sown for the future. I will concentrate instead on organising smaller events in my native Perthshire. In the long term, the apathy shown demonstrates we have much work to do to galvanise native and UK Scots into becoming more involved in their own culture, sports, clans, history and heritage.
On a lighter note, it occurred to me that adding a very special guest to the Gathering bill might sell out all the tickets in advance. If Scotland's newest superstar, Susan Boyle, were invited to do a few numbers on the main stage of the Highland Games and a spot at the Pageant on the Castle Esplanade in front of all the clan chiefs and their kilted followers, she might just be tempted. I think we all know she deserves a shot at such a prestige gig.
ROB MAXTONE-GRAHAM
18th of Cultoquhey
Abernyte Road
Balbeggie, Perth