2012 Glasgow (Kentucky) Highland Games

**SlackerDrummer** · 3rd June 12, 11:57 AM

The Glasgow Highland Games are held at the Barren River State Resort Park near Glasgow, Kentucky. My day started with presenting Kentucky Colonel commissions, along with the Commissioner of Kentucky State Parks, to several dignitaries at the official Games breakfast at the park's lodge.

Richard Carmichael of Carmichael, Chief of Clan Carmichael (Chief of the Games)

Malcolm Sinclair, the Earl of Caithness and Chief of Clan Sinclair (Honored Clan)

Iain Morris McFie, Commander of the Clan Mcfie

Hope Vere Anderson, Chieftain of Clan Anderson

Charles McKerrell of Hillhouse, Chieftain of Clan McKerrell

More to come...

**cessna152towser** · 3rd June 12, 12:02 PM

Great pics, nice to know what happens at the other Glasgow!

**SlackerDrummer** · 3rd June 12, 12:07 PM

Then on to the Games...

The main field is surrounded by clan tents and is where the massed bands perform and athletics take place. You can see the pavilion in the background where the some of the entertainment happens all day long. To the left of this field and down a hill are all the food vendors. Further back, through the woods, are more vendors, a living history encampment, and the pipe band competitions. This is at 9:00am after the gates opened, which is why it isn't crowded yet.

When I got to the field, I went to talk some more with McKerrell of Hillhouse since he and I are on another forum together and have never met in person. Here we are with some others at the Society of Scottish Armigers tent.

I finally met up with Sandy (JSFMACLJR), who also got the memo about wearing yellow socks.

Then it was time to line up for the opening ceremonies. You can see Sandy at the right with others in the SSA.

And walk across the field. That's the President of the Games committee, Bob Harrison, in front of me and beside me is the Kentucky State Parks Commissioner Elaine Walker.

Then off to the pipe band competition. John (EagleJCS) was there with the Louisville Pipe Band.

**EagleJCS** · 3rd June 12, 06:56 PM

Originally Posted by SlackerDrummer

Then on to the Games...

Then it was time to line up for the opening ceremonies. You can see Sandy at the right with others in the SSA.

I'm sorry I missed seeing Sandy out there. It would have been nice to chat for a moment, but I barely had a moment to spare.

The piper in the center of the pic is the Official Piper of the Games (and was my first piping instructor). She is basically the 'duty piper' and pipes for all of the official ceremonies, plus piping around the honored chief (or their representative). She's also a member of the Louisville Pipe Band.

The Louisville Pipe Band took first place (out of two bands) in the Grade V contest, beating out the Northeast Arkansas Caledonians from Jonesboro, Arkansas. (Their band has a lot of Lyon College alumni. Lyon College has a very good pipe band, and offers a degree in music with a concentration in bagpiping.)

The Fountain Trust Pipe Band out of Covington, Indiana won the Grade IV contest, beating the Kentucky United Pipes and Drums from Lexington, KY.

I was told later on by our drum steward (and a Grade 1 soloist himself) that he would have put Louisville up against Fountain Trust yesterday, we were sounding that good.

**English Bloke** · 3rd June 12, 09:58 PM

What a smashin' set of pictures. Thanks for posting those.

**creagdhubh** · 4th June 12, 06:36 AM

Originally Posted by SlackerDrummer

I finally met up with Sandy (JSFMACLJR), who also got the memo about wearing yellow socks.

Were you and Sandy able to have a proper chat? Fantastic photo!

**SlackerDrummer** · 4th June 12, 07:11 AM

Originally Posted by creagdhubh

Wonderful photos Kenneth! I wish Stephanie and I were able to attend this year - it couldn't have been better weather - perfect for Highland attire! Glasgow looks like a very nice games indeed.

Thanks, Kyle. I don't think it got above 74°F all day. It was sunny enough that my hat was appropriate and cool enough that Sandy's hat was appropriate. I took my jacket off mid-afternoon, but when the sun went behind the clouds for a bit, I almost put it back on! Just superb weather.

Originally Posted by creagdhubh

Were you and Sandy able to have a proper chat? Fantastic photo!

I wouldn't call it a proper chat, though it was certainly nice to meet. I look forward to some future opportunity with food and spirits for something more meaningful.

**creagdhubh** · 6th June 12, 05:58 AM

Originally Posted by SlackerDrummer

I look forward to some future opportunity with food and spirits for something more meaningful.

Ha-ha! Quite right, Kenneth! We all need to get together for that!

Slainte,

**piperchris** · 3rd June 12, 10:18 PM

Great photos!!! Thanx for posting!!!

**Riverkilt** · 3rd June 12, 10:33 PM

Great pics. Someday I need to poke around Glasgow, KY A Frasier great-grandfather abandoned his wife and children to "return to Glasgow" according to family lore and a letter from a relative. Just no one knows if it was Glasgow, Scotland or Kentucky or some other Glasgow. Kin were from Kentucky so a maybe....and gratitude to the Gray who took them in.

So now I've seen a bit of Glasgow, KY and really liking your tartan but too unsure to guess at it.