Bagpipes swirl for tartan dander in Belfast city centre

Crowds turned out to watch and video the tartan dander in Belfast city centre

The swirl of Scotland the Brave - and a couple of bagpiped Christmas tunes - greeted shoppers on a crisp Saturday morning in Belfast city centre.

Hundreds of people took part in the second annual Belfast Tartan Day Dander, including pipe bands and Highland dancers, many of them braving the November cold in kilts.

Dozens of shoppers stopped what they were doing to video and picture the tartan-clad parade as it wound its way through the city centre.

The event, organised by the Ulster Scots Agency, began on Victoria Street, before making its way to City Hall.

Leah McIlwrath teaches Highland dancing

Among those taking part was Leah McIlwrath, a teacher at Comber Highland Dancers.

"It means a lot to all of us, especially me and the dancers promoting the Ulster Scots culture and also promoting Highland dancing as well," she said.

"It's something that isn't very widely known about in Northern Ireland, it's something we're pushing for now.

"You see all the crowds out taking videos and everybody's taking photos."

Some of the dancers taking part in Saturday's parade

She added: "The crowds loved it and the girls loved it too.

"They're waving at everybody and I think its great.

"I do think every year it'll get bigger.

"The more years they do it, the more people will see how many people are here and how fun it is for everybody to see it and the crowds that are out."

Brian Wilson said the parade was a great spectacle for the people of Belfast

Brian Wilson, from Belfast International Tattoo, said: "I think it's really important the tartan dander continues, because it's a real display of tartan, our culture.

"I think we're under-represented right across the board.

"Ulster-Scottish language is not out there just like the other languages are.

"So days like today brings us to the fore and brings it to the public to see that there is an Ulster Scots community - and a huge Ulster Scots community - here in Belfast and further afield."

He added: "It's a great day and great spectacle for the public in Belfast.

"Everybody's stopped and watched, that's for sure and it's been very positive - people clapping and cheering for us, so it's been excellent."

Georgia Turkington and Louis Anderson also took part in Saturday's dander (walk)

Also taking part in the "dander" were Georgia Turkington and Louis Anderson.

"I just think it's a really enjoyable day and I love spending time with my friends while doing something I love," Georgia said.

"Everybody's been really happy and I've seen lots of phones out."

Louis added: "It's not something you'd see every day.

"It's good to share cultures and be respectful of everyone's."

Looking to the future of the parade, Georgia said "we will definitely continue doing it" with Louis adding: "Why not? It's an experience."

Molly Bell with her friend Rosie McKinstry were two of the younger particpants in the parade

Molly Bell is a member of the McDonald Memorial Pipe Band in Dromore County Down.

"I think it's quite important because it represents the band especially," she said.

"It was quite crazy on the main street, everywhere you walked there was a camera in your face.

"So you just had to shut it out and concentrate."

Jason Price said it was great to hear Christmas tunes played with bagpipes

Portadown man Jason Price, from Belfast International Tattoo said: "We were here last year, our first time participating in it and we didn't know what to expect.

"So this year was lovely coming back, knowing what was coming and it's lovely just at this time of year seeing the shoppers stopping and watching - it's great, it's got a really good feel about it.

"Even the pipes and drums behind us were playing some Christmas tunes, which you don't normally get on parade."

He praised the Ulster Scots Agency for organising the event.

"They're such a good support to us, the Ulster Scots Agency, for the Tattoo, which we do every September at the SSE Arena.

"So, you know, we really feel like we're giving something back as well."