A RE-ENACTMENT of the Battle of Bannockburn next year is unlikely to attract as many North American visitors as the Scottish Government's last major international tourism drive, according to a Holyrood report out today.

Four years ago, 17,000 US and Canadian clan members converged on Edinburgh for The Gathering, a key event in the Homecoming 2009 tourism campaign.

However, significantly fewer are expected at the Bannockburn 2014 festivities, part of the Government's Homecoming 2014 drive.

Holyrood's economy, energy and tourism committee warned late changes to the programme made it difficult for US clan associations to plan visits.

A re-run of The Gathering was axed after the original event ran into financial problems, though elements have been incorporated into the Bannockburn festivities.

Economy committee convener Murdo Fraser said: "It is unfortunate that the necessary two-year lead in time, required by North American clans to plan a visit to Scotland, has not been achieved with this event, although there is the potential for an increased number of UK and international visitors."

The committee said marketing Bannockburn 2014 was crucial as organisers must sell 75% of tickets to break even. The committee has called for an update in early 2014 from VisitScotland on progress made.

Deputy committee convener Dennis Robertson said: "Whilst we are supportive of the approach taken so far, we need to make sure it stays on track."