Tartan day in Aberdeen started magnificently with braw weather and crowds of onlookers filling both pavements of Union Street to welcome the Pipe bands' parade, down to Castlegate.

The entertainment was only starting as the stage in Terrace Gardens played host to a number of acts including local band “Mastrick street preachers” and the superb, blood pumping, drums beating “Albannach”. The sun kept on shining and the statue of The Wallace presided over hundreds of us folks as Albannach got everyone raved up and asking for more…Crann Tara was present in a large tent attracting loads of interest with “The Shop” , Rab the targe maker embossing leather on site and an array of historical weaponry explained and demonstrated to the curious. Fae Lochaber axes to muskets and swords, everyone showed enthusiasm, from the youngest bairn to the eldest.

All ages watched the performances, but it was yet again Albannach who stole the show with a scintilating performance , the people couldn't help tapping baeth feet as Albannach treated us all to an encore with an extra set of tunes to finish the celebrations and end what has been a Perfect Tartan day. The Provost and Council of Aberdeen, balled over by the successful entertainment and involvement of the crowds, has invited Crann Tara for next year's event.

Long live Tartan Day and Alba gu brath.

By Robert Cairney