Scotland-Oban Highland Games

 

What's a Highland Games without some traditional attire?

The highland games, usually a clan gathering, or represented by a particular clan, happen all throughout the summer.  Most are late July and August.  We got lucky and found this one in Oban that fit into our schedule.  A local community style event that had the right amount of competition and family activities,  wasn't too big to lose the events in the crowds, yet was small enough to retain a nice family, small town feel to it. The town did a great job with the event... and the day was spectacular weather wise!

Our departure from our campsite 20 minutes away was timed to get us to the parking lot for breakfast in the RV.  That all worked out well, but we were 2 hours early.  Tom and Dad took a nap and I went for a walk through town and got onto the field early.  That move allowed me to meet the local press photographer, Kevan, who invited me onto the field to photograph the events!  Yea, for me! This allowed  me to get great shots of the heavy events, up close and without the netting in the way.

Angus, the MC for the day.  He did a great job of keeping the events movie along, explaining some of the techniques and specialties of the events, and keeping the folks watching entertained.

Of course there is Highland Dancing.  All the little girls were decked out in their outfits and doing their dances in the corner of the field.  The timing of the events had them dancing while field events were happening.  Not able to be in more than one place at a time, I opted for the field events!

One of the competitors outfit.  I think the metallic shoes are what helped him out during these games.


He was very stylish, and was kind enough to show me some of the moves for the shot put.

You place the shot just so.....

Then you tuck it, lean and twist.....

And then the release!

As the pipers were marching the field, the track and field events refused to yield.......( sing along now)

#11 is the local highs school PE Teacher and track coach.  The other boys are his student.  The teacher won... barely!