Historically, a Calling of the Clans was a gathering of clans in preparation for battle, unifying the individual clans as one. Today you’ll often see a Calling of the Clans to formally open a Highland Games event. At our Cape Breton Gathering, since we’re all one Clan, we had a Calling of the Countries to celebrate our members’ home countries. Eight countries were recognized as members paraded their country’s flag: Canada, England, Finland, Germany, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and the United States. Held on the first night of the event, it proved a spirited way to open the 2024 International Gathering!