More From Grandfather Mountain

**BEEDEE** · 13th July 09, 05:11 PM

Thursday Night I was invited to participate in the Calling of the Clans to announce the presence of Clan MacRae. The fog set in for the evening, this was the main field just before sunset:

The ceremony consists of each clan representative coming out with a torch, announcing the presence of the clan, then the torch is placed in a Saltire in the middle of the field.

When all the clans have announced their presence, the clan representatives all join hands while a blessing is given.

Friday Heavy athletics start with the stone thow

Took a break and listened to Barleyjuice.

And of course the Games would not be the same without border collies:

And more heavy athletics:

Missed a photo of the young man wearing a kilt to his ankles, but did capture the fairy (at least with a camera)

Twelve X-Markers together. Is this a record?

More to come.

**BEEDEE** · 13th July 09, 05:24 PM

Grandfather Mountain had many music options, not just bagpipes but fiddling and harp players.

Saturday Starts off with the massed bands parading into he meadows

Clan Macrae Society of North America has been granted arms by the Lord Lyon and a new tartan MacRaes to America has been designed. This is the new banner with the arms and tartan.

The young lady on the right doing the sword dance hasd the most amazing footwork. It looked like she was just floating over the swords and the stage.

One of the competitors in the piping competition. His outfit was a refreshing contrast to the usual white shirt and black waistcoat.

And we had our own athlete Ian MacRae to cheer on

Sunday was the Parade of Clans - who else but Clan MacRae! (So I am biased somewhat)

And the Parade of Tartans - one for each Clan represented at the Games.

And finally, Clan MacRae is a supporter of the Grandfather Mountain Highlanders Pipe Band, so they come over and pipe in front of our tent.

Four great days, should have taken more photos but was too busy doing other things. Did manage to get two afternoons fly fishing some of the local rivers!

Brian

**Rex_Tremende** · 13th July 09, 05:34 PM

Originally Posted by BEEDEE

Thursday Night I was invited to participate in the Calling of the Clans to announce the presence of Clan MacRae. The fog set in for the evening, this was the main field just before sunset:

That was quite the impressive fog. It was quite moving to see the flame of the first solitary torch moving down from the mountain and around the field seemingly on its own power. But the real chill came as it lifted suddenly as the torches began coming together.

I'm glad you posted more photos of the events. Nice job.

Rex.