Nigel's Photo Blog

(Above image is a capture of Clan Gregor.) This afternoon, I attended the above captioned Highland Games which were held at Lochearnhead, about ninety minutes directly north of Glasgow, at the western end of Loch Earn. This event  was also styled as the Gathering of the Clans MacGregor, MacLaren, Stewart of Strathearn and Macnab. The three named communities are located in close proximity to each other. The origins of the names are as follows: Lochearnhead: Possibly from three different languages: Loch (Gaelic)= Lake; Earn  (Possibly from an ancient and lost pre-Celtic language) = Watercourse; Head (English) = Top of. Strathtyre: Probably of Gaelic origin meaning 'strath of the bend'. Strath means valley. Balquhidder: Of Gaelic origin and means 'fodder village'. This was an excellent and well patronised event attended by visitors from around the globe, including a contingent of French Girl Scouts. Weather was favourable although ground underfoot was wet. T...

(Image above us a capture of a Highland Dancing competition.) During the period May to September each year a wide range of communities throughout Scotland hold a Highland Games event. The two largest and most prestigious Games events are: Cowal Highland Games at Dunoon, about 34 miles N.W. of Glasgow, a distance which includes a ferry crossing.This event takes place during the final weekend in August. Braemar Gathering at Braemar, a village located about 58 miles west of Aberdeen. The British Royals are usually represented at this event which is situated relatively close to Balmoral Castle.The event is held on the first Saturday of September. Heavy Athletics The Games in their current form date from the 19th century with each event having a range of competitions which may include: Caber Tossing Hammer Throw Shot Put Tug o'war Hill Race Highland Dancing Solo Piping Masses Bands Junior Athletics Wrestling Senior Athletics. Solo Piping There may side show...