Tartan Army Gathering Aviemore 2008?

[gilmore]

Is anyone here going to the 2008 Tartan Army Gathering in Aviemore?

More to the point I am wondering if I would enjoy it. I am an American who has never been to Scotland, knows almost nothing about football, but enjoy being totally immersed in a different culture. For me there is nothing like being in the remote part of a country where very few people speak English, armed only with a phrase book and a Lonely Planet Guide. And this events seems way Scots. On the other hand, I don't drink and much of TA appears to involve bonding through alcohol.

From the photos there will be enough kilts, and many of the guys seem to have a joyous disregard for the finer points of Scots apparel.

They have a website up about it now: http://www.tartanarmy.com/page.php?id=12 It's going to be a long weekend from June 26 through Sunday, June 29 and maybe into Monday, June 30, as well.

<<<The Gathering Golf Classic

The Tartan Army golf championship will once again take place over the wonderful Spey Valley championship course and is this year sponsored by www.ScottishGolfClassics.com . The handicap event is open to all golfers with a handicap and there will be prizes for those without a handicap.

Tee off will be from 9.30am and the price of £70.00 per person includes a buggy between two golfers. The singles event is played in stableford format and tehre will be a number of additional prizes for longest drives, nearest the pins and mystery holes.

"Get Steaming..."
Not a command (well not really) but it's an evening of traditional entertianment on the tradiaitonal steam train made even more famous on the set of Monarch of the Glen. The 1950's steam locomotive will depart from Aviemore station at around 6pm (to be confirmed) and will include a ceilidh with local musicians on the platform of "Glenbogle Station" - Broomhill really - before the return trip back to Aviemore around 11pm.

A traditional bowl of Stovies will be served and a fully licensed bar will be in operation on the journey to and from the station and at the Ceilidh itself. This is a trip not to be missed!

Tickets are limited to 150 only and you can buy your tickets online at £10 per person by clicking into the Gathering Shop. The event runs from 6.30pm to 9.30pm. This event is restricted to Official Wrist-band holders only!


Saturday 28th June
From 10.30am the Tartan Army kilted 5 a side football tournament - with kids and cladies events -will take place on the Aviemore pitches.

The afternoon event is an open darts competition with cash prizes and there will be entertainment all day and evening on the Cairngorm Stage.

Saturday night will involve a host of venues providing entertainment for the Tartan Army including local clubs with singers. Footsoldiers will be able to move freely between venues with the aid of wristbands and all will be family friendly events with partners and children welcome.

There are ongoing arrangements being made for a major live music event in the evening and the line up for this and ticket prices will be announced as soon as confirmed.

All the entertainment venues are fully licensed and provide high standards of service.

Sunday 29th June
At 12 noon the Clan March will take place, starting from the Cairngorm Hotel towards the opening of the Tartan Army Highland Games which will be on until 5pm.

Led by a full pipe band, the spectacualr march out will be accompanied by clubs and foot soldiers following and displaying their respective banners, flags and colours.

The Games will include strangely enough the beer tent and a series of traditional Highland Games activities including fun & field events such as Caber-tossing and fun activities for all the family. TA Clubs are encouraged to set out their own stalls and sideshows and enter a team into the Tartan Army Tug-o-War! The afternoon will end with an awards ceremony taking place at 5.00pm.

Following the Highland Games afternoon there will be evening entertainment on the main stage in the Cairngorm Hotel car-park followed by The Final of Euro 2008 on the big screen above the main stage from 8pm and the weekend's events culminate in a "Last Night Ceilidh" in the Osprey Arena at the Resort.

Monday 30th June
Nothing else for it but fond farewells and plans to meet at the next Tartan Army Gathering in the summer of 2010 in South Africa...>>>

Also this site has info: http://ktarmy.co.uk/category/kta-events/

From the pix of the one in 2006 it looks as if it could be lots of fun: http://wonderful-moments.com/myshare.../eventinfo.htm
Did anyone go to this? What did you think of it?

[bjproc]

hi, do you realise that the tartan army is the supporters of the national football team?, i don't think there will be a lot of folk talking about kilts/scottish history etc, but i lot will wear a kilt to the football games.

your right, there probably will be lots of drink going about, as the way i see it, it's really a golf outing & a piss up.