A few pics from Glasgow Lands Highland Festival, Northampton, MA

**JRB** · 22nd July 07, 04:38 PM

Yesterday my wife, Nicole, and I attended the Glasgow Lands Highland Festival in Northampton, MA. It was quite a sizable event. I was really excited to find clan Rose represented (my clan). I've been going to Scottish festivals for ten years and have never seen a clan Rose booth. I was only at the event for about ten minutes when an elderly gentleman walked right up to me and asked "is it true?" After my initial puzzlement wore off and I realized that I was just asked "the question" I simply replied "I'm not telling", which went over very well. A few minutes later two women tried to cajole me into entering the bonnie knees contest. Unfortunately, my knees are calloused up from working as a boatbuilder so I had to politely decline.

For me, the highlight of the day was seeing Zoe Darrow and the Fiddleheads and Enter The Haggis. Zoe darrow is an 18 year old prodigy on the fiddle who plays traditional Scottish, Irish and Cape Breton tunes by ear (sometimes while clogging) with her father and uncle in accompaniment. I first saw her when she was just 12 years old and was stunned with how good she could play. If you ever have the opportunity to see her band don't pass it up.

Enter The Haggis performed at the "after party" which lasted pretty late into the night. It was my first time seeing them but I'm sure it won't be my last. They are a really fun band to watch live and seem to have a pretty rabid fan base. I particularly like how well they integrate the highland bag pipes seemlessly into modern rock music.

It was definitely one of the most fun Scottish games/festivals I've been to in a long time. The only thing missing was the Scotch tasting!

I didn't take any pictures until the closing ceremonies but I got a few good shots of the after party.

The main music tent (and pub). There were two really good microbreweries selling their beer.

Closing ceremonies. There were a lot of pipe bands performing.

Zoe Darrow and the Fiddleheads

Zoe kickin' it old school

Enter The Haggis

Me watching Enter The Haggis. Check out my new R Kilts braided leather sporran strap.

My wife, Nicole, watching the show. I just threw her pic in 'cause she's such a cutie!

**oldsoldier** · 22nd July 07, 04:54 PM

MAn, I gotta quit my job so I can attend more of these. Looks like a great time. Are you, by chance, goig to the gathering at Loon mtn in NH this year? Thats my next one, I SO cant wait!

**pdcorlis** · 22nd July 07, 05:08 PM

Now THAT looks like fun!

**JRB** · 22nd July 07, 07:07 PM

Originally Posted by oldsoldier

MAn, I gotta quit my job so I can attend more of these. Looks like a great time. Are you, by chance, goig to the gathering at Loon mtn in NH this year? Thats my next one, I SO cant wait!

Last April my wife and I tried and tried to find a place to stay for the Loon Mountain games. Unfortunately, there wasn't a vacant room to be had within 60 miles. I think we will plan to go next year and we'll attempt to make room reservations this coming fall.