Swords and spears glinted in the afternoon sun as the Lonach Highlanders brought a 200-year tradition back to life today.
The sound of pipes soared through the air as the main protagonists of the Lonach Highland Gathering and Games led the way for a day of “long-standing heritage”.
Thousands packed the green lawn at Bellabeg for the glorious return of one of the most iconic events in Scotland after a three-year absence.
Hundreds of Lonach Highlanders proudly marched through the area in their tartan finery as the crowd roared in excitement.
They had began their six-mile trek at 8am, visiting various local homes for a sip of whisky and a cheery greeting, before arriving at the arena at 1pm.
Compare Robert Lovie said there would be a lot of “heavy hearts”, remembering Highlanders who have died since the last gathering.
But he welcomed “a lot of new faces” joining the tradition for their first time.
Marvelling at the procession, he added: “You can travel the world and see nothing more special.”
‘It’s been sorely missed’
For Catherine Begg, today’s event was a much-anticipated return to the games she has always held close to her heart.
The 67-year-old, who has never missed a Lonach Gathering, was “over the moon” to join old friends and immerse herself in the pageantry.
“I’ve been waiting for this for months”, she said.
“Lonach is all about long-standing traditions, friendliness and strong community spirit – and it’s been sorely missed in the last few years.
“It was odd not to have them on. And when I saw the Highlanders march again across the arena, it was a very emotional moment.”
Her daughter-in-law Susan Fleming, 42, who is originally from the Borders, added she has “never seen anything like it”.
Jamie McKelvie, who has never been to Highland games before, was “moved” by the overwhelming display.
The 63-year-old, from Cheltenham, said: “I don’t know what it is, but I was really moved by the sound of the pipes – that’s the thing that really touched my heart.
“And the setting is absolutely amazing. The colours of the surrounding hills, the music, the people – everything has been brilliant.
“The Lonach Gathering really brings a sense of pride for the people in the area – something you can’t see everywhere. It’s the sense of tradition and unity.”
An extravaganza of Scottish culture and long-standing tradition
Mr McKelvie was one of nearly 10,000 to gather in the shadow of Cairngorms in Strathdon for the historic games.
Dozens of heavy athletes went head to head in an intense competition of strength and resilience after months of gruelling preparation.
Crowds stood in fascination as cabers and hammers were hurled through the air – with loud cheers erupting as they thumped into the ground.
This was one of the highlights for 24-year-old Berit Buth, from Germany, who was visiting friends in the north-east.
She said: “I really wanted to come to the games as it’s my first time in Scotland. And it’s been amazing. You really feel the spirit of the local community and Scottish culture here.”
Meanwhile, 85 people put their skills to a test in the traditional hill race, an event comedy legend Robin Williams has previously taken part in.
Others took the opportunity to enjoy a fun-filled day out with their families – with stalls offering a wide range of local produce, tasty treats and arts and crafts.
Findlay Cameron, 29, who travelled from Pitlochry, said this was the best way to enjoy a sunny Saturday.
He said: “It was fantastic to see the games back in action after so long. The last few years have been hard so it’s brilliant to have an event like this one to revive the community spirit and bring everybody together.
“But the highlight for us has definitely been the march of the Lonach Highlanders. It’s what makes this event so special and unique.”
The results
Piobaireachd, open; March, open; Strathspey & Reel; best tune composed by Pipe Major William Grant, open – Calum Brown
Piobaireachd, (17 years and under) open; March (14-18 years), open; Strathspey & Reel (14-18 years) open – Liam Nicolson
March (under 14 years), open; Strathspey & Reel (under 14 years) – Rory Menzies
March; Strathspey & Reel (under 17 years) Local Kindred Gatherings – Sarah Keir
Highland Fling (under 8 years) Local Areas of 4 Kindred Gatherings; Ghillie Callum (under 8 years) -Local Areas of 4 Kindred Gatherings – Ally Dey
Highland Fling (8 to 11 years) Local Areas of 4 Kindred Gatherings; Ghillie Callum (8 o 11 years) Local Areas of 4 Kindred Gatherings; Seann Truibhas (8 to 11 years) Local Areas of 4 Kindred Gatherings – Harris Fraser
Highland Fling (12 to 15 years) Local Areas of 4 Kindred Gatherings – Kyla Dey
Ghillie Callum (12 to 15 years) Local Areas of 4 Kindred Gatherings; Seann Truibhas (12 to 15 years) Local Areas of 4 Kindred Gatherings; Half Reel of Tulloch (12 to 15 years) Local Areas of 4 Kindred Gatherings – Mhairi McPherson
Highland Fling (16 years and over) Local Areas of 4 Kindred Gatherings; Ghillie Callum (16 years and over) Local Areas of 4 Kindred Gatherings; Seann Truibhas (16 years and over) Local Areas of 4 Kindred Gatherings; Half Reel of Tulloch (16 years and over) Local Areas of 4 Kindred Gatherings – Emma McPherson
Putting heavy stone, open; throwing heavy hammer, open; throwing light heavy, open; throwing 56lb weight for distance, open; throwing 28lb weight for distance, open; tossing caber; throwing 56lb weight for height, open; overall Lonach Open Heavy Championship for the Day, open – Kyle Randalls
Putting light stone, open; throwing 28lb weight for distance (18-28 years); putting light stone (18-28 years); throwing weight over bar (18-28 years) – George Evans
Throwing light hammer (18-28 years) – James Young
Tossing Caber (18-28 years) – Conan Quinn
Long Race (800m), open – Ewen Bradley
High Jump, open; short race (90m), open; quarter mile race (400m) open – Stewart Clark
Long Jump, open; hop, step & leap, open – Tony Daffurn
Hill Race, open – Henry Gordon Hart
Ladies hill race, open – Lyn Wilson
Youth hill race (boys), open – Joseph Coane
Ladies Race – Kirsty McLean
Best dressed Highlander, society – Roland Stuart
Best dressed Highlander, open – Michael Laing
Best dressed Highlander or pipe band member (25 years & under), open – Roy Dobson
Relay Race (local clansmen) – Wallace
Hill race, society – Hector Lancaster
Throwing Light Hammer, society; tossing caber, society; putting light stone, society – Ryan Stuart
Tug-O’-War (local clansmen) – Forbes
Ladies’ Tug-O’-War – Glenbuchat Ladies
Bagpipe music (March), society; Bagpipe music (Strathspey & Reel), society – Michael Laing
Ghillie Callum, open; Hornpipe, open; Irish Jig, open – Laura Boyle
Reel O’ Tulloch, open; Highland Fling, open; Seann Truibhas, open; Highland Reel, open – Molly Smith
Highland Fling (12-15 years), open; Seann Truibhas (12-15 years), open – Eilidh Smith
Reel O’ Tulloch (12-15 years), open – Eva Collister
Highland Fling (11 years and under), open; Seann Truibhas, (11 years and under), open – Harris Fraser
Ghillie Callum (11 years and under), open – Ruby Spence
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