Highland Gatherings: Countries


Figure 1.--This boy participates in a pipe band which performed at the Connecticut Highland Games in 2002. Note the plain Glenygary cap with a small red pom that he wears with his kilted uniform.

The most well known Highland gatherings are of course held in Scotland. Highland gatherings, however, now held in a large number of countries around the world. One of the most widely known and popular ethnic event in America is the Higland Gatherings. The Gatherings in Scotland are of course the best known, but Gatherings are held throughout the United States and Canada as well as many other countries. Finnmark in Norway hosts the most northerly games and the most southerly are held in Dundedin in New Zealand. There is even a Latin American event in Brazil's Sapucaia do Sul each year. More than 100 such events are held in America annually. They are especially common in the South where much of the Scottish immigtation in the late 17th Century was centered. The Gatherimngs are often held in the summer, so the American Highland Gatherings are usually a bit warmer than those held in Scotland. Whether held in Scotland or Anmerica, many of the major events and activities are quite similar. The annual Highland Gathering or Games is as important to the Scotts in communities around America as St. Patrick's Day is to the Irish. Many Gatherings, especially in America, have mock battles between English redcoats and kilt-clad and sword waving Scottish warriors. Of course the Scotts always win these engagements. An annoucement explains, "A Highland charge, and guess who is going to win." A typical Higland Gathering in America might have 60 or more Clans participating. One of the most popular events is the sheep dog trials. Dog owners put their dogs through their paces as an approving audience looks on.

America

One of the most widely known and popular ethnic event in America is the Higland Gatherings. More than 100 such events are held in America annually. They are especially common in the South where much of the Scottish immigtation in the late 17th Century was centered. There are also important Highland Gatherings in New England. The Gatherimngs are often held in the summer, so the American Highland Gatherings are usually a bit warmer than those held in Scotland. Whether held in Scotland or Anmerica, many of the major events and activities are quite similar. The annual Highland Gathering or Games is as important to the Scotts in communities around America as St. Patrick's Day is to the Irish. Many Gatherings, especially in America, have mock battles between English redcoats and kilt-clad and sword waving Scottish warriors. Of course the Scotts always win these engagements. An annoucement explains, "A Highland charge, and guess who is going to win." A typical Higland Gathering in America might have 60 or more Clans participating. One of the most popular events is the sheep dog trials. Dog owners put their dogs through their paces as an approving audience looks on.

Australia


Canada


New Zealand


Scotland

The most well known Highland Gatherings are of course held in Scotland. They are also called Highland Games. The Games of course originated in cotland nd the stndards are set there. These events include heavy athletic events, Highland dance competitions, track and field events, and piping. The games are a spectacle and in Scotland they take place against spectacular scenic backdrops. Tgey take place every weekend during the summer (May to September)> There are over 80 Highland games taking place on islands and in towns, villages and cities all across Scotland. Some are hosted on castle grounds. The athletic events include tug-o-war, caber toss, hammer throw and weight for height. Field events include the hill race and cycling competition. Reportedly, Baron Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympics, was so impressed by a Highland display he saw at the 1889 Paris Exhibition that he introduced the hammer throw, shot put and the tug o' war in his planning. One of the most impressive sights at the Highland games is the massed bands. We get to see hundreds of pipers and drummers from different groups come together to play and march in unison. The competitions include solo piping competitions, including different styles (slow, stately and the complex Pibroch). The later is considered to be the classical music of the bagpipe. Dancers at the Games offer give dazzling displays of fancy footwork in exhibiting their skills. Scottish dances include the sword dance and the iconic Highland fling. Dancers engage in both solo and group compeitions. The colourful outfits and the kinetic energy of the dancers always impress. Not only are the Scottish Championships, but the and World Championships are held in Scotland.






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Created: October 12, 2002
Last updated: 12:34 PM 1/18/2017