Excellent questions. I love the whole atmosphere of the Highland games. I am a once-in-a-while attendee. The stars have to line up just right for two little kids and wife and weather and family plans to permit it. That's neither here nor there. What I go for are 1) atmosphere (the friendly people in tartan, the sounds, the sights and smells); 2) the music (pipebands, of course, but also Celtic music bands--like the Tannahill Weavers); 3) the food and beer. I'm not much into sports, but I heartily admire the athletes who compete. My childrens' attention spans/hot sun don't allow me to take in more than a few minutes spectating, though.