Highland Games Let the Games Begin...
Highland dancers take to the stage at a Highland Games T
he Commonwealth Games may be the big attraction in Glasgow next year, but you don’t have to wait until 2014 to wit-
ness a memorable sporting event Caledonia style. To see athletes in their prime, testing their skills and fi tness in an ancient contest that combines ceremony and tradition and bring far-fl ung tribes together, look no fur- ther than - Scotland’s Highland Games. For many, the annual events embody the character of the West Highlands, and while there are always competitions like running races, that young and old can take part in regardless of experience, there are others, like tossing the caber (a long, heavy pine pole) and stone put (like shot put, but with a heavy stone) which require years of training to master.
Games Calendar
Inveraray Highland Games (including the world caber championships): Tuesday, July 16
Isle of Mull Highland Games, Tobermory: Thursday, July 18
Though some are on a huge scale, most Highland Games are community-run events, and visitors are made welcome whether they want to join in or simply browse the stalls of local produce and enjoy the entertainment provided in competitions from piping to Highland dancing. While some locations host Games each summer, others hold an Agricultural Show, an opportunity for farmers and crofters to show off their fi nest stock, and for residents to compete to produce the best in home baking, handicrafts and horticulture. These may be lively, good-natured, community events, but be under no illusions, across all categories, the competition is tough.
Taynuilt Highland Games: Saturday, July 20
Southend Highland Games, nr Campbeltown: Saturday, July 20
Isle of Skye Highland Games, Portree: Wednesday, August 7
North Berwick Highland Games: Saturday, August 10
Brodick Highland Games, Arran: Saturday, August 10
The Argyllshire Gathering, Oban: Thursday, August 22
Bute Highland Games, Rothesay: Saturday, August 24
61
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64