Pics from the Capital District Scottish Games 2009

**JRB** · 7th September 09, 10:32 PM

This past Saturday and Sunday my wife and I attended the Capital District Scottish Games in Altamont, NY just outside of Albany. The weather was just about perfect for both days, though I preferred the cooler temps of Sunday. I had the pleasure of meeting X-Marker Angus (MacAngus on the forum) and his girlfriend, Kelly and we enjoyed a nice chat in one of the quieter music tents. I also got to visit with Barb Tewksbury and meet her husband, David.

So, while the Fairgrounds were not as spectacular in scenery as some of the games I’ve attended, all in all it was an excellent weekend. Without further ado, here is the proof…

On Saturday I wore my Maple Leaf tartan Burnett’s & Struth 8yd. knife pleated kilt. The belt and sporran were made by a friend. I made the sporran strap out of scrap leather by shamelessly copying my Ferguson Britt sporran strap.

and the pleats…

There were animals galore at the games this year. It seemed almost everyone brought their dog. There was a Scottish breed dog show in the morning but I arrived a bit late to get any pictures. I did manage to snap these rather portly bulldogs…

Border Collies doing something totally unnatural…relaxing

And mama and baby coo

Scottish Blackface sheep

More to follow

**JRB** · 7th September 09, 10:33 PM

Pics continued…

Clydesdale

Hey big fella, why the long face?

Someone worked very hard on his mane

Here is the “Soldiers of Scotland” tent.

MacAngus and me in the music tent. I believe Angus is wearing the muted MacDonald clan tartan. You’ll note that he was dressed considerably better than I…

David Tewksbury wearing the New Hampshire tartan. The photos do not do this beautiful tartan justice. The colors are unbelievably vibrant (in a good way)

More to follow

**JRB** · 7th September 09, 10:34 PM

Pics continued

On Sunday I wore my Rose Ancient Hunting tartan 4yd. box pleated kilt made by Matthew Newsome. You’ll notice the kilt hangs down much straighter when compared to the A shaped flared hang of an 8yd. knife pleated kilt.

Waiting in the beer line

The pleat shot.

The games

The Oran Mor pipe band grade 1

Highland dancers. I found this photo particularly funny because of the man competing against all the little girls. It reminded me of the episode of Seinfeld where Kramer enrolled in a karate class filled with ten year old kids.

More to follow

**JRB** · 7th September 09, 10:35 PM

Pics continued

Hair of The dog in the main music tent

Kevin McKrell and The Hard Road Céilidh Band

The fellow on the left played a strange drum that looked exactly like a stereo speaker but sounded like several different types of congas and bongos depending where he hit it. I wish I knew what it was. He played it either with thimble-like finger tips or a set of jazz drummer type brushes.

The massed bands at the closing ceremonies took place under the main tent. All the bands entered the tent from all sides and just stood among the crowd. I’ve never seen a massed band performance like it before. The sound was deafening but it really made you feel like part of the event.

To wrap the pics up I’ll close with this piper wearing an…um…unusual hat. I believe you could call it a mohat. Note too the drummer next to him with his beer sitting on his drum head while he plays.