The Border Gathering

[cessna152towser]

Let me show you around the Border Gathering 2009. This event featured Scotland's southernmost Highland Games alongside Border Reiver re-enactments and music by the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Gaberlunzie, The Trybe and Shian Blackwood.

The Gathering was officially opened by David H. Sellar, Lord Lyon King of Arms.

The Lord Lyon on left with the organising committee of the Gathering. Note Pour1Malt on extreme right, who was Field Manager.

The Lord Lyon with Pour1Malt

I wore my dandelion in the hope that some more x-markers might make themselves known, however I only met up with acaig and Pour1Malt.

Clan Farquarson - acaig and his sister and their cousin and cousin's husband.

The lassies always love a sports car.

Portrait of Alan

Pour1Malt in discussion at the Clan Jardine tent.
More to follow shortly.

[cessna152towser]

Highland Dancing

Solo Piping Competition

Hurling

Stan Pike throws for distance

Mark MacDonald throws the 56lb weight over the bar

A good caber toss by Mark MacDonald

Throwing the Scots Hammer - Stan Pike

Throwing the Scots Hammer - Mark MacDonald

Throwing the Scots Hammer - Mark Hunter
One more batch to follow shortly

[Darkislander]

The piping judge may cause some off notes if he opens his legs any further !

[cessna152towser]

Notice how you often find a kiltie accompanied by a red haired lass

Discussion taking place

Mediaeval and modern clothing styles

Spearfighting demonstration

Defensive circle against archers

Border Reivers encampment

Wolf Picts

Spinning Mules

Friends of Ellisland tent.
Robert Burns lived at Ellisland Farm six miles north of Dumfries from 1788 to 1791. The farm is open to visitors daily in summer and Tuesdays to Saturdays in winter.
That's all folks!

[Chas]

Hi Alex - great pics - as usual. I will really have to get organised for next year. I've missed at least two good gatherings, if your pictures are anything to go by. Is there a master calendar with all the gatherings and games? Possibly something on-line?

Regards

Chas

[MacKay71 Wife]

Great pictures! I always love seeing someone's "man on the street" pictures as opposed to "travel poster" pictures. Makes me wish I was there!

[KFCarter]

Alex, if the Scottish Tourism Board doesn't have you on retainer, they should. One of these days I am going to make it to Scotland and my list of places and games I have to see just keeps getting longer and longer...much credit to you.

[Oddern]

Great report from the Borders Alex. The kilt above, do you or anyone know wich tartan that is? At first glance I thought it looked a bit like the Norwegian Centennial but I don't think it is.

[Sir William]

Great photos.

You have to give the the Border Scots credit for adapting the kilt as a national dress even though the kilt is not part of their history.

I noticed quite a few of the Border Scots attending the Elliot Gathering a few weeks ago in Newcastleton work kilts - though most preferred tartan trews.

[###KILTEDKIWI###]

Great pics Alex, the tartan that you have on, what is it?

It is a striking resemblance to one from over here.
(Province of Dunedin)
http://www.tartansofnz.com/otago.htm

Second thoughts nope...bit different