The next generation of torch bearers for the Scottish culture are flourishing

Thousands streamed into Bendigo's Rosalind Park last Saturday for Scots Day Out ... to experience a great taste of tartans, bagpipes, dancing, games and most of all fun.

Shortbread sold out and there was barely a a morsel of haggis left when the Kilt Dash kicked up the finale featuring the colourful massed pipes and drums and highland dancers.

Earlier, huge crowds lined View St for the opening parade lead by 2018 chieftain Bryan Coghlan and a sword escort from Glen Lachlann Estate College of Arms.

Visitors from Australia soaked up the atmosphere in Rosalind Park, welcomed to the cultural celebration by many Bendigonians. Also taking part in the day was an Austrian competitor in the GLECA tournament and New Zealand's Sue Burgoyne who judged the Central Victorian Highland Dancing Classic.

Clan and disaspora group members travelled from far and wide with new Victorian commissioner for Clan Edmonstone, George Edmistone, receiving his letter of appointment from Victorian Scottish Cultural Heritage Foundation's Carol Davis. The foundation is an SDO sponsor.

The highlight of the day was clearly the number of young participants and families in the crowd.

As SDO director Chris Earl said: “The next generation of torch bearers for the Scottish culture are flourishing."

Among highland dancers, that included Angus and Austin Hill from Adelaide, the Central Victorian Highland Dancing Classic 15 and over premier event was won by Megan Majczyna and 14 and under by Cailey Finalyson.

The pipe band results were - Grade 2 Moorabin 352.5 Hawthorn 350.5. Grade 3 City of Melbourne 312.5 Victoria Scottish 302.5. Grade 4 Haileybury 268 Old Scotch 262.5 City of Melbourne #2 219.5.

SDO was supported by the Regional Centre for Culture Program, a Victorian Government initiative in partnership with the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and the City of Greater Bendigo and its wonderful sponsors.