Holidays in Scotland

GATHERING OF THE CLANS

Highland Games have long been a part of Scotland's summer calendar. Here Lynsey Stewart takes a look at the Braemar Gathering, the official climax to the Highland Games season and one that comes with a Royal seal of approval.

Way back in the 11th century, King Malcolm III - the wimp in Macbeth who, according to Shakespeare, ran off while MacDuff did his dirty work - called a gathering to see who amongst his men should be his new foot runner.

The men challenged had to be strong and very speedy too. The challenge was a race up Creag Coinnich, a mountain overlooking the Braes of Mar. Who ever was the fastest was the new foot runner.

Gatherings like this continued, sometimes purely as a social occasion and other times - particularly in times of trouble - young men competed against each other in a test of strength and speed to see who was the best warrior.

Fast forward several centuries to 1817 and a local "Friendly" society in Braemar decided that the Gathering should be revived and set about doing just that. The Braemar Gathering was born.

Now in its 184th year, the official climax to the Highland Games season is as popular as ever. The breathtaking backdrop of the surrounding mountains and hills combined with gathering's Royal seal of approval (Queen Victoria attended in 1848 and the present monarch is patron), ensures that the games holds its prestigious standing as the biggest event on the Highland Games calendar year in, year out.

This year more than 17,000 people are expected to join in the party, with competitors and spectators arriving from all corners of the globe, including New Zealand, Canada, USA and France.

At the games, competitors, fully kitted out in Highland dress, can participate in the traditional events commonly associated with Highland games including piping competitions, Highland dancing and tug-o-war.

The traditional aspect of the games is continued particularly in the "strength" feats, a men-only affair, where strongmen test their strength by seeing how far they can lob cabers, stones and hammers.

The Hill Race is also still a mainstay of the Gathering, where everyone, including locals, ladies and veterans test their stamina in the race to the top of the hill.

Children have their own events agenda including sack racing, highland flings, sword dancing and boys and girls races. Perhaps, one of the most stirring sights is that of the massed piped bands when bands from various districts throughout the country join together for a massed display of stirring Highland music.

"The marina is quite small and it's quite a sight to the massed piped bands presence. It's simply tremendous," says William Meston, Secretary for the Gathering.

So what makes the Braemar Gathering so special?

"It's a very Scottish day. There's a strong patriotic feel and it's very traditional which is part of the appeal. "Also the fantastic setting is really second to none and the Royal patronage, of course, attracts people too."

The Braemar Gathering takes place on Saturday September 2 at The Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park. For non-ticket holders the entrance charge at the gate is £5.00 , Children under 14 £1.00

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