Highland games, Braemar
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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