THE annual Aberdeen Highland Games drew record crowds but for Gunnedah visitors, the highlight was the performance of our own highland dancers, accompanied by piper David Walker.
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Held each year on the first Saturday in July, the Games have become the town's most spectacular event, beginning with a parade of bands and clan representatives, leading into the massed band salute and Chieftain Sandy MacDonald's address.
Heather Welch, who has been sharing her joy of highland dancing for more than seven years, tutors the Gunnedah girls Bridgette Dridon, Mackenzie Keeler, Yasmin Webster and Katie Kingdom.
Heather has also been an enthusiastic member of Gunnedah’s Plains Pipes and Drums for 10 years but the band was unable to take part in the Games this year.
The dancers performed on a central stage a number of times throughout the day, demonstrating their expertise in a variety of popular items such as the sword dance and the hornpipe. The girls were joined in a group performance by highland dancers from as far away as Lithgow and Armidale.
There was fun for all the family throughout the day with the Tartan Warriors in amazing strong man events, tug-of-war, three-legged races, and the famed Kilted Dash.
Australian Defence Forces presented an incredible military tattoo. Other events over the weekend included a Tartan Golf Day, Scottish Ceillidh and a Kirkin’ of the Tartan church service encapsulating the very essence of Scotland.
Visitors with Scottish heritage were able to seek out their clan’s tent or dine at food stalls surrounding Jefferson Oval. More than $100,000 has been ploughed back into the region since the Aberdeen Highland Games were first held in 2000.
