Scotland 2015 - Day 8 part 2 - August 23, 2015

Do you remember when I told you we talked to a guy for a long time at the Osprey Center?  When we asked him for recommendations of things to do in the area, he thought for a bit and then said "well there are Highland Games in Granton on Spey on Sunday!!  Holy Cow!  We usually get this kind of information  two days after the event but this was two days before the event.  Highland Games were not on our intinary, but we were going!

Just like at the fair we parked in a hay field.  Hmmmm. Which way to go?

Look back so we can find the car at the end of the day

We're in

The main events start at about noon, but on arrival we found that all he dancing had begun.  Did you know that there is Highland Scottish Dancing and Traditional Scottish Dancing.  And all kinds of different dances and all age groups.  There are a bazillion girls running around in all differet colors of kilts and they're all practicing their dance steps or are dancing with other contestants and being judged.

the girls all have specialized ballet like slippers for when they compete, but when they're not performing they wear crocs over their slippers

There was one boy in amongst all the girls.  He was so cute - my favorite.  His name is Maxwell.

Near the dancers all of these tents set up.  I thought that was a good idea to be able to sit and view the dancing and be out of the sun.  Wrong - it was a place to change clothes, rest, and get coaching from your teacher

This one is being used to hang up costumes

There were food carts, booths selling jewelry, wood thingies, dog accessories (many, I mean many, dogs present), clothing accessories, books, flags, toys, army recruiters

Food carts and food

This was lunch - an angus burger

and dessert

Jessica - I hate to tell you, but they use frozen prepackaged waffles that are neucked before serving.  They weren't as good as yours, but still tasty.

All kinds of activities for people to do

Rides

Big floatie balls

Haggis hurl.  The haggis sausages are wrapped tightly in plastic and then tossed by kids

At noon the games officially opened by a bagpipe band marching from the town square (followed by spectators) and into the big grassy area.  They were so fancy.  Dad took a video and is going to post it on facebook.

This particular band was a combination of four bands from around area.

There were all sorts of competitions going on.  Throwing heavy things like logs, a long stick with a heavy ball on the end, big round heavy things,  heavy balls thrown by a chain.  I'll just post the caber because it is the only thing recognizable

bike racing (on a grass track), foot races, high jump, long jump, triple jump, and tug-of-war

Best of all were the clothes people wore.  All competitors in the heavy throwing events wore kilts.  All officials too.  Most of the spectators just look like people in shorts and tee shirts.

But some people really dressed up for the occasion.  Others would have half of an outfit - kilt, button down shirt and tennis shoes.  These are the best.

Some Germans in lederhosen showed up too

Back to the car.  Where is it?

Ended up in a caravan park near the Highland Folk Museum where we'll visit tomorrow

Picture of the day for campers who arrive after the warden has gone for the evening