|
The
Scottish Highland Games Tradition
The
tradition of our Scottish games goes back to days
of old when rival clans or kings would meet.
Competitions were organized both to keep
men-at-arms and camp followers out of trouble as
well as to impress one's rivals with how strong or
skilled one's own men were.
The first modern Highland games were held in
1819 at the Perthshire estate of Lord Gwydir in
Scotland. Activities included piping, dancing, and
athletics, much like one sees today at our Games.
Prizes were offered to competitors in
"Highland Reels and the Ancient Scotch Sword
Dance," as well as in piping.
The Braemar Games were founded in 1832 by the
Braemar Highland Society. They became a favorite
pastime of Queen Victoria, who from 1849 allowed
them to be held at her summer residence, Braemar
Castle. They are still held there to this day.
The oldest of the great Highland gatherings
still running is the week-long Northern Meeting,
first held at Inverness in 1798. Starting as a
grand social event, piping and dancing
competitions were added in 1841. Today, the
Northern Meeting hosts one of the most prestigious
piping competitions in the world and is a
"must" for aficionados making the rounds
of the games in Scotland.
Strong traditions have evolved from these games
or gatherings. At Glenfinnan, where the Bonnie
Prince raised his standard so many years ago, the
Gathering is opened by a Gaelic song and followed
by an address, both given in Gaelic.
Memories
of these gatherings were brought to America by our
Scottish ancestors. It wasn't long before games
sprang up in our own country. The origins of those
held each year at Pleasanton, California, date
back more than 125 years. The origins of our games
in the Rocky Mountain West can be traced back to
Scottish fur trappers, who continued the age-old
games traditions in their encampments.
The Colorado Scottish Festival and Rocky
Mountain Highland Games
Each August, the tradition of Highland games
comes alive for two days at Highlands Heritage
Park, thousands of miles from the land in which
they were born. The centerpiece of the Games is
competition in three major areas -- Highland
dancing, piping and drumming, and traditional
Scottish athletics. In addition, Scottish food and
beverage is offered, and a variety of other events
are scheduled throughout the weekend to interest
every family member. Musicians fill the air with
traditional Scottish music. Members of the public
can trace their ancestry at our Scots' Heritage
Centre, (featuring information on genealogy and
clan history) participate in Scottish country
dancing on the green, or just enjoy the sights and
sounds of Scotland. The skirl of the Massed Pipes
& Drums at the Midday Ceremonies fill the air
with the feeling of a day in the Scottish
Highlands (without the fog and drizzle). Vendors
display traditional Scottish wares in the Market
Square. Even the "wee bairn" have their
own activities so that their parents can fully
enjoy the day. |
