Highland Games Scotland vs the rest of us?

**Bluescelt** · 7th May 09, 03:26 AM

Sounds like a challenge? Not really.
I attended the Markinch games back in '99 and got to see how the Scots do it. At that time I noticed some differences in what events, activities took place compared to what I was used to. I wonder if those games were typical to all Scottish games or do they vary at each games in scotland?
One big difference was that they had a section with amusement type rides for the kids and no Clan representation. I was puzzled till I thought that the games for the locals could be somewhat like our county fairs in the US.
I'd like to hear alittle of what your views are. I've only attended games in New England (excluding Markinch) so they be quite different in different regions here too. And what about the rest of the globe?
I'm sorry that I can't attend Gathering 2009 in Edinburgh but I hope someone documents it for the rest of us to see.
Scott

**Jack Daw** · 7th May 09, 01:48 PM

I've been to Highland games/fests in TX, CA, CO, and NY. And, I went to my only Highland games in the real Highlands (in Taynuilt, Scotland in July 2008). All U.S. games are a bit different. The major difference between the games in the U.S. and Taynuilt was Taynuilt had ONE clan tent to represent a clan of that area. And, the Taynuilt hamburgers were different...very different.

**JolyStNicholas** · 7th May 09, 03:18 PM

Could it be that the hamburgers didn't have a lot of preservatives in them,
as most of our hamburger over here does. It makes a great deal of difference.

**Jack Daw** · 8th May 09, 06:41 AM

No, that wasn't it. BTW, I didn't say they were bad, just different.

**ForresterModern** · 8th May 09, 06:41 AM

I have been to two highland games in Arizona, Phoenix and Verde Valley, as well as one highland games in Scotland, Forfar at Glamis Castle near Strathmore. The scottish games had additional physical competitions in bicycle and running around a fixed cross country track, in addition to the usual stone throwing and caber tossing. Dancing competitions were for all ages rather than just the kids. Vendors included scottish ccrraaaappp like the Gold Bros would stock in addition to a few quality and artican vendors. Food and drink were actually very sparse but present, and Clan tents and overt gatherings were not overtly visible. Bagpipe band and individual competitions were slightly more rigorous in appearence, with several more judges involved. One thing I only saw at the Arizona Valley Verde games was a wonderful demonstration of shepherding with specialized dogs by several different folks. The Phoenix and Forfar games both had a few kids activities like a moonwalk or small carousel. The two Arizona games actually had more defined and quality kilt and kilt-related equipment vendors---places where you could actually get fitted and measured and order a true wool tartan highland kilt chosen from a large variety of tartan samples from the various mills. Also a few more artists in jewelry and other finery. The beer appeared to flow a bit more freely at the Arizona games---the native scots seemed a bit more sedate overall. More kids at the Forfar games both as spectators and competitors. More actual "traditional" scottish food at the Arizona games.

The site for the Forfar games in Scotland was on the grounds of the Glamis Castle, a still inhabited country estate chateau-like residence rather than a fortification of any significance. But a beautiful estate with surrounding farmlands, etc... Both the Arizona games were kind of shoehorned onto public parks in the middle of town.

All three were fun to attend, very enjoyable and entertaining, with lots of friendly and wonderful people to meet.

Am planning on attending the Kentucky Highland games tomorrow about an hour east of Louisville, and will be able to use that for another comparison.

**EagleJCS** · 8th May 09, 08:12 AM

Forrester, I think you may be disappointed with Kentucky Scottish Weekend - at least this year. Since it's at a State Park, it's dry (the occasional sporran flask is overlooked, but don't bring anything blatantly alcoholic) so no beer tent. Next year it's moving - no idea where yet - so it may get 'wet'.

From what I've been told, it's also the smallest Games in the state (Glasgow being the biggest, with Paducah in between the two, size-wise).

Looking forward to meeting up with you & the other KY rabble tomorrow!

On topic: I've heard that in Scotland, there's more socialization at the gatherings than we have at our events (like a town picnic - people talking with their neighbors and discussing local events, etc.). Ours are more like information booths for people interested in 'finding their roots'. There's some socializing going on, but the overall atmosphere is more 'academic' than social. The athletics events are more or less the same in both places.

**Bluescelt** · 8th May 09, 09:08 AM

Thanks for the input. I have been interested in finding out what takes place elsewhere. There was a mention of dog demonstrations. At the New Hampshire (Loon) games they actually have a sheepdog competition on friday. I always try to get up there for that. I've been to Glamis Castle and that would be a very picturesque setting for a games. The only games I know of in the states that has a somewhat similar setting are the Round Hill games in Norwalk Ct. They're held in a town park that was an estate. This games has running events and a tug o' war too.
Scott