Lang may yer lum reek!

November 18, 2015

#Experiences and Stories

We are coming up on one of my favorite themed weekends: Highland Fling! Maybe it's my Scots and Irish heritage, but I love the bagpipes, games, and especially the kilts. I think I must not be alone, Highland Fling is one of our most popular weekends.

With Celtic Highlanders conducting Highland games at the Arena, the caber toss and stone put draw crowds of rowdy spectators. I did a little reading on the history of the highland games:

"Highland Games, which take place from Cowal to Tomintoul and all points in between, are a unique mix of sports, culture and community. They usually comprise a programme of field and track events, piping and Highland dancing competitions and 'heavy events' like the tug-o-war, the hammer throw and tossing the caber.

It's said the Highland Games originate from Ireland in 2000 BC and that they crossed the water to Scotland with the fourth and fifth century migrations of the Scotti into Dalriada (Argyll) and beyond.

The Braemar Gathering

The Braemar Gathering, held in September, is the biggest and most prestigious Highland Games event and enjoys the annual attendance of the Royal Family. Its origins are Royal too. The contests of strength - jumping, running, throwing and riding - were introduced by Malcolm Canmore in 1040 as a means of selecting the most able men for soldiers and couriers.

1822 Revival

Over time the Games grew in number and popularity but suffered a mortal blow with the Act of Proscription in 1746 following the crushing of the Jacobite Rebellion. The act outlawed Scottish dress, customs and gatherings and was in force for almost 40 years. After its repeal the Games started to revive and the fortunes of the national customs were given a tremendous boost with the visit to Scotland in 1822 of George IV." (http://www.scotland.org/whats-on/scotlands-festivals/highland-games/about-highland-games/)

This year, we are spotlighting a new music act, the Dublin Harpers. They're a family who play Celtic harp, bodhran, and other instruments like penny whistles, creating rollicking Celtic dance tunes. They're at the Florence Gazebo, you won't want to miss them. They're sure to put you in a mood for the auld country.

Speaking of the auld country, we'll be featuring a haggis eating contest, complete with Selkirk Grace to bless it. Now, I love all things Celtic. Except this. This, I cannot stomach (see what I did there- stomach- ha!)

I thrill to the sound of the bagpipes, and you can find them back on the Cloister and the Green stage back in the Enchanted (formerly Sherwood) Forest, where Drums -n-Drones play at 11:00, 12:00, and 5:30. Or you can catch Tartanic at the Dove Meadow stage at 9:30, 11:30, 1:30, and 3:30.

Many of you will choose to wear clan tartans this weekend, that's one of the most historically significant traditions that our patrons observe. I am descended from the Campbell clan (sorry, MacDonalds!) and just last week my new Ancient Campbell tam arrived from Scotland. I find it's always a great conversation starter to ask if one can identify their plaid- I have met Gordons and Stewarts and MacNeils, all lovely people! If you're looking to start or add to your collection of Scots garb, try the Scot Shoppe, Highland Kilt Company, or the Knotty Scotty. All these shoppes carry varied selections of plaids, pins, sporrans, and Glengarries, Balmorals, and tams.

Oh, and here's the translation of the title of this entry, from the TRF family to all of you: May you live long and stay well.