It’s the Cultural Event of the Year!
In this blog post I share a recent event our English conversation guests enjoyed – Crieff Highland Gathering.
Highland Gatherings and games are massively important cultural events – particularly in rural Scotland. Events like this keep traditions alive and communities united.
In case you are wondering – highland games are not just for locals!
Any town in Scotland will make you feel very welcome. Scots people love sharing our culture with tourists and guests!
This year, the Crieff Highland Gathering had a particularly international flavour, which we loved to see and celebrate.
Read on for a taste of a holiday in Crieff in Perthshire – and learn about “Scotland’s Premier Highland Games.”
It’s just one more good reason to learn English in Scotland!
“There can be little doubt that traditional Games of agility and strength have been practised in the Highlands from very early times. Formalisation and annual gatherings began around 1820 as part of the revival of Tartan and Highland Culture encouraged by Sir Walter Scott.”
Crieff Highland Gathering Website
A Fantastic Introduction
We absolutely love this film montage of this year’s event. Watch it for an introduction to the celebrations.
A Century and a Half of Tradition
Highland Games celebrates traditional Scottish customs with traditional Highland games competitions; including the sports Running, Youth Running, Cycling, Heavyweights, Light Field and Tug o War
As well, you can enjoy Pipe Band parades and Highland Dancing.
It’s a taste of history – and this one dating back nearly 150 years.
A Community United
Athletes and musicians train the whole year to participate in the games season across Scotland.
It’s the one day a year the agricultural community leave their farms to mix with townsfolk.
“The first Crieff Highland Gathering was in 1870 and has occurred every year since with the two exceptions of 1914-18 and 1939-49 when no gatherings took place.“
Crieff Highland Gathering Website
Is it Worth a Visit?
Absolutely, it’s a fabulous day out for the whole community – including those learning English in Scotland with Blue Noun English Language School!
“Borrowing” an idea from our sister games in Ohio, where they have more of a Celtic music feel throughout the day, the idea of a mini music festival alongside the Games was discussed. Well received by locals and visitors alike this area goes from strength to strength, showcasing some of the top acts in Scotland such as Skerryvore, Skipinnish, Braebach and Clanadonia, as well as introducing an international flavour with top vocalist Charlie Zahm all the way from the USA”.
Crieff Highland Gathering Website
“Remember to bring your dancing shoes, you’re going to need them!”
Special mention to Drums and Roses who got the field dancing with their drum and bagpipe covers of rock and Scottish pop covers!
Further Information
Blue Noun Language Hub
Want to discover our Immersion English holidays in Perthshire?
If you are visiting Scotland: find a Highland Games in your area.