Glorious weather across the Cairngorms boosted a huge crowd for the annual Braemar Royal Highland Gathering on the first Saturday in September. More than 15,000 folk headed to the highland village and the Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park in Braemar, the permanent home for the Gathering, amongst them their Majesties King Charles and Queen Camilla, and some stars of stage and screen.
A warm welcome
And, they were all in for a few treats as above the normal track, field, heavy events, dancing, piping, tug-o’-war and massed pipe bands the afternoon’s programme included the first ever visit of the Band of the Royal Marines Scotland along with the Atholl Highlanders and their pipe band. The Atholl Highlanders are Europe’s only surviving private army and were attending the Gathering to present their Colours to HM King Charles, in doing so pledging their allegiance to The Crown.
By lunchtime there was barely an empty seat in the stands surrounding the main games arena and there was plenty vocal support for the athletes in heavy and other events. Traditionally noon marks the first march of the massed pipe bands, selected from towns and institutions across the north east of Scotland and as they entered the arena through the Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Arch they were greeted with loud applause. The King and Queen received a warm welcome from their Scottish neighbours when they arrived at the Gathering mid-afternoon – the band of the Royal Marines Scotland leading the crowd in the national anthem.
Heavy events
Welcoming them to the event the Gathering’s commentator, Dr Robert Lovie, reflecting on the health issues that had faced the Royal Family over the past year, said “I know I speak for everyone here when I say how much we have thought about our Royal Family this year. Please know that the communities at home and around the country and all those who take part in the Highland games, send you all our best possible wishes.” The massed bands led off what was the busiest part of the day’s programme which saw the Royal Couple in jovial mood as they watched youngsters in sack races and their own tug-o”-war team from Balmoral in action against neighbouring estate Invercauld.
The heavy events, in particular the Caber and 56lb Weight over the Bar competitions were attracting enthusiastic support from the crowd and cheers went up as Czech athlete Vlad Tulacek broke his own Braemar record he set back in 2019. Earlier in the summer, at the Drumtochty Highland Games, Vlad set a new world record in the same event. He attempted to even better that record at Braemar but a great attempt was later discounted on account of weight regulations.
The next Braemar Royal Highland Gathering will take place on Saturday 6th September 2025. For further details see: www.braemargathering.org
Main image: Huntly & District Pipe Band enter the arena through the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee archway.
All images courtesy of the Braemar Royal Highland Gathering.