Count down to the Highland Gathering

THE SUN chatted with Carol Botha of the Lions Club of Amanzimtoti, co-ordinator of the Highland Gathering, ahead of the service club’s mega event, which is to be hosted for a record 50th time at Hutchison Park on Saturday, 3 May.

1. Give a brief history of the Highland Gathering?

The first South Coast Highland Gathering was held on 15 June, 1963, as part of a fundraising event for Umbogintwini Primary School. The organisers were Cliff and Betty Leesam, a Scottish family, and involved Dr Ian Dalziel and his wife Pat. Lion Lady Pat Dalziel is still heavily involved in this annual event. The Highland Gathering continued at this venue until 1969.

At this time Toti was relatively undeveloped and much of it was farming units. In those days, for economic viability, the Highland Gathering was held as a joint event involving the Amanzimtoti Agricultural Show. In 1970, the venue for the event was moved to Athlone Park Primary School and in 1972, to Kingsway High School. In 1973, a committee involving Pat organised the event on wasteland by the river, then in 1974 and 1975 in front of the municipal buildings. In 1976 Amanzimtoti Lions became involved and the event moved to its current venue at Hutchison Park. In 1990 the Lions took full responsibility for the event.

2.The club must be proud that it is celebrating its 50th Gathering this year?

As a club we are immensely proud, considering it all started from humble beginnings. The Gathering has grown over the years and features as an annual event on the Toti calendar.

3. How many people are involved in putting together the Gathering and what planning takes place prior to the big day?

The club has 10 members and all are involved in the planning, which starts in October of the previous year. A few members of the public also volunteer every year, working hand-in-hand with Lions to ensure the success of the event. It’s a very small team.

4. How many people attended last year’s event and how many do you expect to come through the gates this year?

In 2013, some 11,000 people supported us. This time around we are hoping for 14,000 feet through the gates.

5. Staging an event of a such a magnitude, what does it mean for Toti’s economy?

Various businesses benefit from the event being staged here. Some 27 pipe bands will be attending the biggest Gathering in the Southern hemisphere. Accommodation facilities, stores and malls benefit from the influx of participants, families and supporters, with some staying in the area for four days.

6. How does Lions raise funds via the event?

Gate entries, stallholders and beer tents.

7. What happens to the funds raised and how many charities benefitted from the last event?

The money raised is distributed throughout the year. We give out food parcels, hampers and assist with providing spectacles to those in need. We host picnics for the underprivileged, monthly diabetes clinics, assist people with special medical food, equipment and guide dogs and are involved in various community service projects. 100% of the money raised goes back into the community, nothing is used for admin costs.