ORGANISERS of the Bundanoon Highland Gathering are hoping for another outstanding event to mark its silver jubilee of Brigadoon this year.

This annual event originally began in 1978 with the aim of raising funds for local charities and providing a boost to tourism in the Southern Highlands.

From its humble beginnings that began with a handful of pipe bands and spectators, Brigadoon has grown into one of the finest Scottish Highlands Gatherings in Australia.

With a greater than ever influx of visitors expected in the Southern Highlands this April, local businesses are again looking to thrive with accommodation often booked a year in advance.

Brigadoon publicity officer Alaistair Saunders said it was with great pride that the members of the Bundanoon Highland Gathering committee associated themselves with and for the people of Bundanoon and the Southern Highlands.

"I am often asked by village folk what happens to the money which Brigadoon makes each year.

"All committee members are volunteers and received no financial reward.

"The committee members meet in excess of 20 times throughout the year and spend countless hours of their own, willingly given, working on their committee responsibilities.

"The Bundanoon Highland Gathering committee is a registered non-profit charity and all profits are distributed back to the community.

"Last year, we were able to disburse some $26,000 back into the community with 42 Wingecarribee based community groups benefiting from that disbursement.

If anyone is interested in getting involved in the running of this year's gathering, they are asked to telephone Alaistair on 4883 7471.