Gathering saved

Erin Pearson
GEELONG’S iconic Highland Gathering celebrations will continue in 2011 after the group’s organising committee cemented a new March venue, according to its vice-president.
John Fraser said although the gathering had recently appointed a new committee the event was at risk of folding if a suitable location could not be found.
Mr Fraser said the committee had signed an agreement with Geelong Showgrounds to confirm the event would be held there on March 20.
The gathering was moved to Fyansford Common in 2010 after its original Queens Park location became unavailable.
Mr Fraser previously told the Independent the Fyansford ground was unsuitable and caused the gathering to run at a loss.
“The Geelong Showgrounds has good parking, power, water and toilet facilities so we are hoping we can save a bit of money this year to enable us to spend more on growing the event into the best highland gathering in Australia,” he said.
“That’s our main goal.”
Mr Fraser said the Geelong gathering was considered one of the best in the country before its 2010 demise and would now regroup in the hope of re-attracting the Australian Pipe Band Championships to the city.
The committee would also seek to sign the gathering to a permanent location for future years.