Strong Men, Pipes and Drums

Hello,

At 06:20 AM, we're heading towards Braemar. The morning is foggy and overcast, and Lady Google is informative and formal: the fastest route takes 2 hours and 8 minutes. Well then... shirt ready, hair fluffed up, and off we go. Anyone who has driven on Google’s fastest routes in a foreign country knows exactly what I mean when I say: un-fucking-believable! To this day, I am firmly convinced that the lady takes you through areas that not even the locals know. But my hero, Mr. Fü, expertly navigates us through the rough terrain, and you have to give Mrs. Google credit... we always arrive where we intend to go. In our case today: the Braemar Gathering. The Braemar Gathering is regarded as the most traditional event where members of the royal family can also be spotted.

Upon arrival, we head to a well-organized parking area and then off to the competition grounds for our first Highland Games.

A lot was shown today, often at the same time. We didn't even know where to look first. The weather and the atmosphere were fantastic, and the Gathering grounds are set against a stunning scenic backdrop. Truly a sight to behold!

Highland Games supposedly date back to the time of the Celtic kings in Scotland, who held these games to find the strongest and fastest men in Scotland. These men would then become bodyguards or messengers for the king.

The Braemar Gathering features everything one would expect from Highland Games: hammer throwing, weight throw, stone put, tug-of-war, log tossing, weight high throw, running competitions, dance competitions, sack races (for children), and Pipes and Drums. And all the tartans you could wish for :o))

It was a thoroughly enjoyable day, and we were happy to experience Highland Games live.

We couldn't get too close for the photos, but I hope you still enjoy them.

Good night and Maidainn mhath (Goodbye)!