I am deeply disappointed in the Gazette’s failure to provide any near-term notice or coverage whatsoever of this year’s Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival, held July 20 at Look Park in Northampton.
There was not even a mention under the Festivals and Fairs section of Hampshire Life. Glasgow Lands is the only Scottish highlands games and festival in Massachusetts. It is the second largest such event in all of New England. The festival regularly draws 8,000 or more visitors and hundreds of participants. This year’s festival featured 31 pipe bands, over 40 dance competitors, close to 30 clans represented in the clan village, many athletes, animals, vendors, and more. Musical performances occurred throughout the day and went until 9:30 p.m., including Enter the Haggis, Albannach, and others.
The Gazette’s failure to provide close-to-the-event notice and coverage, particularly after the festival had spent nearly $700 in advance advertising in the newspaper’s summer publications and inserts, effectively deprived many Valley residents of an opportunity to attend one of the year’s important cultural events. You need to try harder.
Jonathan Tucker
Florence