With a line-up of traditional Highland games, dancers and pipe bands, Hazlehead Park in Aberdeen became a bursting spring of Scottish culture.
The Aberdeen Highland Games made a grand return to the city’s park on Sunday after two years – giving families from near and further afield a “thrilling” event to remember.
While the weather maybe didn’t give visitors the warmest welcome, hundreds flocked to the green lawn to join the festivities – armed with umbrellas, raincoats and bright smiles.
Highland dancers, pipers, heavyweights and athletes put their skills to a test as the crowd applauded all of the competitors with excitement and joy.
A mass pipe band marched across the field and filled the air with the sound of bagpipes to salute Aberdeen’s Lord Provost and chieftain of the games David Cameron, who officially opened the event.
He welcomed the crowds and said: “I see the sun is trying to change what we normally get in Aberdeen, which is a miserable day in the middle of June – but it doesn’t dampen the spirits of the people who are here.
“Highland games in the north-east of Scotland are just in our DNA.
“Enjoy yourselves people – the athletes are amazing, the dancers are great, the pipers have been wonderful. We need this to keep us sane.”
Dozens of athletes from across the world took to the main arena to compete in a range of traditional games and show off their strength and resilience after months of gruelling training.
And we are ON! Loud applause for the mass pipe band as they officially open the Aberdeen Highland Games. pic.twitter.com/LGNdi0u4cf
— Denny Andonova (@AndonovaDenny) June 19, 2022
The diverse programme included tug o’ war, heavyweight competitions, Highland dancing, group and solo piping, running and other customary contests.
For Albert Hewitt, who moved to Newtonhill from Northern Ireland around one year ago, this was the first opportunity to witness and enjoy the spectacle in person.
The 64-year-old, who came to the event with his wife Julie, said: “It’s amazing to see all of this in person after watching it for so many years on television. The heavyweights have definitely been my favourite so far, but everything is brilliant.
“It’s hard to even take in all of it as there is so much happening and all of it is great.”
Opportunity to connect with Scottish heritage and culture
While some preferred to watch the heavyweights throw a huge stone ball into the air, others – like eight-year-old Leo Innes – favoured the Highland dancers and the pipers.
Leo had travelled from Australia with dad Ewan and mum Chelsea, as well as brother Zac, four, and sister Evie, two, to get the full Scottish experience at the event.
Mr Innes, 43, who is originally from Inverurie, but moved to Australia 18 years ago, said: “The day has been fantastic – although we could have used a bit of sunshine for sure. But either way, it’s nice to be back and to see the games being held again. It’s a good day out for families and especially for the kids.”
Mrs Innes, from New Zealand, added the Aberdeen Highland Games event has been a great way for their children to connect with their Scottish heritage.
After a night of ceilidh dancing, the family spent the Sunday afternoon sinking in all the “strong Scottish traditions” that have been passed on from generations.
The 34-year-old said: “It’s very important for us that our kids know about their Scottish heritage and experience all of that. And the Highland games are a perfect example of the rich Scottish culture.
“I’ve always admired how these strong traditions in Scotland have remained over the years and continue to be passed on to future generations.
“It really has been a great day for the kids to get a taste of the Scottish culture – see Highland dancing, hear the sound of pipes and really get involved.”
A great event for all to enjoy
Along with the competitions, the programme also included a funfair, family entertainment, free children’s activities, charity and trade stalls and a beer tent.
Charity mascots also put themselves though a series of challenges across six fun events – including the caber toss, sprint and stage performance – for a chance to win £250.
Entertainment was also provided for all four-legged friends with the return of the ever-popular dog activity zone.
Luiza Ferreira, 36, and her husband Paulo Sutter, 38, said they would be “thrilled” if such events were held in Aberdeen at least once a week.
The couple moved from Brazil two and a half years ago, and while they had travelled a lot across the north-east – and have a special place for the Cairngorms in their hearts – had never been to a Highland games event before.
Mrs Ferreira said: “I’ve never seen anything like this. It has definitely exceeded our expectations. It’s a great event to gather families and experience Scottish culture. There needs to be more of this in Aberdeen.”
Here are some of the best photos of Aberdeen Highland Games:
GALLERY: Traditional games, dancers and pipe bands galore at Aberdeen Highland Games
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