Highland games virgin

[gazbot]

Finally managed to decide on an outfit for the Highland games in August brown tweed argyll, white shirt, club tie, brown day sporan, pocket watch ( a bit formal I know but I like The Duke of Rothsay look!) dark green hose, red flashes, brogues....and a smile! But now to the event itself. Its the Bridge of Allan Games. Never been... What should I expect apart of course from the sport and the music, what food, drink and other things will keep my wife entertained while I enjoy the rest?

Any other good ads to to kilted in Stirling?:-)...

[Cecil]

Hey Gazbot, you can expect lots of folks dressed in all sorts of outfits from Great kilts complete with swords and axes to down to the kilt as worn today. There will be massed bands. Clan marchs. Highland dancing for the lads and ladies. Axe throw, archery. Food and more food. Lots of people hocking there wears. Whisky tastings if you are lucky and have a ticket. And much more. What area is you gathering? We have ours this weekend.

[EagleJCS]

Cecil, The Bridge of Allan Highland Games are in Stirling, Scotland, so there's much less likely a chance Gazbot will be seeing folks wearing swords and axes walking about (from what I gather that's more of an American Highland Games thing). I would guess, based on what I've read here on XMarks about kilt wearing in Scotland, most folk around there would be wearing their regular street clothes, with some few of the organizers and other officials wearing Highland apparel (kilt, etc.).

According to "Welcome to Scotland":

This is the 162nd year of these Traditional Highland games

Special Events: Scottish Wrestling Championship 13st 7lb, Scottish Cycling Grass Track Championship, British Heavyweight Championships.

Largest Pipe Band Contest outside a Major competition: Grades I, II, III, IV. Highland Dancing, Track and Field events, Heavy events, Cycling, Wrestling.


The Games' official website is: http://www.bofagames.com/

[Cecil]

Sorry I over looked the Stirling at the end of the posting. Stateside you can see anything at one of these events.

[Jock Scot]

Hey Gazbot, you can expect lots of folks dressed in all sorts of outfits from Great kilts complete with swords and axes to down to the kilt as worn today. There will be massed bands. Clan marchs. Highland dancing for the lads and ladies. Axe throw, archery. Food and more food. Lots of people hocking there wears. Whisky tastings if you are lucky and have a ticket. And much more. What area is you gathering? We have ours this weekend.

I am not a regular visitor to Highland Games in any country and I have not ever been to the one you are intending to go to. So baring that in mind, no, you won't see swords, daggers, axe throwing, archery and there are not a whole row of Clan tents and no combined Clan marches. As a general spectator ---as opposed to competitors in the games and band events------you will be in a minority by wearing the kilt, but don't let that worry you! You will probably have to Que to get in and to get out, get a drink, get food and I am afraid, go to the loo although things seem to be improving on this front. From what I see on this website, "American style" Highland Games are not what you will get in Scotland.

[gazbot]

Sounds great. It's right here in Stirling Scotland. I may be one of few but I am looking forward to being kilted.

The weather this time of year is not conducive to an outdoor games! So we have to wait until the baking sun bets down on Scotland in August!

I am sure I will enjoy it whatever is there.

[Jock Scot]

---- So we have to wait until the baking sun bets down on Scotland in August!--------

"Baking sun"???!!! What's that?

[creagdhubh]

"Baking sun"???!!! What's that?

***

The sun doesn't really "bake" you in Scotland in August. Though, there are indeed some warm days up north in the Highlands, it's nothing like the heat and humidity we tend to get in the States. It's advisable to pack for all seasons, layering is key. This is mountain weather after all and conditions can change rather quickly and without any warning. Below are a few photos of me in Scotland, specifically in and around Newtonmore, Kingussie and Laggan in Inverness-shire, during the month of August. I try to go every year to attend the annual Clan Macpherson Gathering and Rally in Badenoch.

Hill-walking near Creag Dhubh (I don't always do this whilst kilted as sometimes, it can be quite impractical).


Getting ready for the march from Old Ralia to The Eilan (I am holding the Bratach Uaine, or "The Green Banner" of the Clan Macpherson Association).




The men of the Clan Macpherson on the move!



Having a chat with Lachlan Macpherson of Glentruim and his mother, Lady Glentruim.


Luncheon with our Chief, Sir William Alan Macpherson of Cluny and Blairgowrie (seated in the center with Scots Guards neck tie), TD at Lachie Mackintosh's house in Newtonmore.


Cheers,