I really liked the march of the bands as they came at us, so close we thought we would get trampled but then they turned. This fellow brought the highlander theme to my mind. Couldn't you just see him in Braveheart?
Usually I wouldn't take pictures of men's butts but these looked pretty cool with their swinging kilts.
Embro and West Zorra are quite famous for tug-of-war, having won a world championship in the late 1800's. My Mom used to be provoked when that was mentioned over and over as she thought we had lots of more recent triumphs to celebrate. In this picture the ladies are preparing for a match.
First the anchor wraps the rope around her body. Next the ladies pick up the rope on a call from their coach.
Finally they lay back and pull. We noticed that the ones who yank first usually dominate. Fascinating.
We loved the little highland dancers in their beautiful kilts and blouses. Here they are dancing in a large circle for the official opening of the games.
When the dance was almost done the mood was broken by a mom pushing her two little girls out into the ring. They had forgotten or something. They just nicely got started and the dance was over. The little girl next to them was not impressed.
The dancers did a thrilling Grand March to end their performance. Notice the flag--Union Jack?
Here is a shot of one group getting their awards.
More men in skirts, as they say...
Finally, I took this shot to showcase the littlest piper. I'm not sure if this was a girl or a boy.
Our trip to the Games included seeing a few people we knew, nieces and their babes--oh, so cute!--and friends of my parents who are well on in their eighties. The day was beautifully cool so the hour and a half we spent soaking up the Scottish traditions was totally enjoyable.
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6 comments:
One thing I like about your Canadian celebrations--the outfits your bands wear are way cooler than the ones US bands wear!
Love the men in skirts!
You know Canada has more Highland games nowadays than Scotland does! They're dying here. It's lovely to see them taking place in sunshine.
Thanks for your input kgmom and mo! We do seem to have a few Scottish bands here but we have many more that aren't in kilts. Locally we have the Norwich Musical Society Band which has been in existence for probably 60 or so years. It just keeps going. Luckily.
Kgmom beat me to the same comment. Canadian red is so beautiful!
Wow -- great photos -- the colors are so bright. You are doing amazing photo work Elaine. Really enjoy your blog.
Thanks for commenting Mary and Ocean. The photos are such fun, aren't they?
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