Thousands attend Harpenden Highland Gathering (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Thousands attend Harpenden Highland Gathering

7:45pm Sunday 12th July 2009 in Search By Michael Pickard

THE sound of bagpipes rang out across Harpenden today, when thousands of people visited one of the largest Highland Gatherings outside Scotland.

Rothamsted Park witnessed battle re-enactments, dancing and traditional Scottish games as Harpenden Lions Club hosted the 14th Harpenden Highland Gathering.

Councillor Rosemary Farmer, the Mayor of Harpenden, said: “It's great. I've always been as a member of the general public so it's great to be here today (as Mayor). It's a great privilege. It's a wonderful day for the community and brings everyone together and supports some good causes."

The first Highland Games, organised by the St Albans and Mid-Herts Caledonian Society, took place on a farm in Wheathampstead in June 1946. The event was held to raise money for Scottish engineers who had worked locally during World War Two.

From 1950, the event was held in Rothamsted Park until it was cancelled less than ten years later.

The Harpenden Lions, however, re-established the games in 1996, and it is now one of the largest Gatherings outside Scotland.

In Rothamsted Park today, children could try their hand at welly boot throwing or tossing the "junior" caber.

Spectators were also enthralled by falconry displays and sheep dog demonstrations that featured geese and chickens.

Top of the bill, however, were the pipe band displays that opened and closed the gathering.

Members of the Bedford Pipe Band, British Airways Pipe Band, Harpenden Pipe Band, Milton Keynes Pipe Band and The Somme Battlefield Pipe Band held demonstrations throughout the day, while pipers also accompanied the young girls taking part in the Highland Dancing competitions.

Families that gathered around the main arena could also watch traditional sports, such as the Scottish hammer throw, putting the stone and the caber toss.

A classic car and motorcycle show could be found in one section of the park, while the activities were surrounded by dozens of stalls representing local businesses, organisations and charities.

Gavin MacGregor, who was wearing a kilt and Scottish rugby shirt, travelled from Manchester to enjoy the gathering.

Bus driver Gavin, 40, said: “I'm absolutely astounded by it. The turn out is incredible. It's wonderful to be here and be part of something with Scottishness at its core.

“Until recently I didn't know any Highland Games were held in England so it's great for the Scottish community outside of Scotland to have the opportunity to come to something like this and meet other folks.”

Gavin and his parents had been invited to the Gathering by his cousin Christine Carr, whose husband George is a member of Harpenden Pipe Band.

George, 59, has been playing the pipes for 15 years but was today was in charge of the drums, an instrument he has played for 40 years.

The Glaswegian said: “It's amazing to be able to put a Gathering on like this over the border and for all walks of life to come and join in in the festival and experience the music and Highland Games. It's nice we can actually portray our heritage and hopefully people will go away and say they had a lovely experience.”

Martin Hotston, from the 42nd Highland Regiment of Foot 1815, took part in several battle re-enactments during the day.

The regiment, based in Fort Amherst, in Chatham, Kent, re-enacts battles from the Napoleonic period by recreating the drills, uniforms, weapons and daily life of 1815.

He said: “One of the unique things about the regiment is the Black Watch, which is the period regiment we're part of, has recognised us as authentic re-enacters.

“We've been to Perth and done displays for their veterans. That was a real honour for us.

“It's fantastic. We were last here two years ago. We love it. It's Scottish. It's raising money for charity. That's one thing we like to do. We do it for fun but if we can help charity, that's even better.”

Mayor Farmer said: “Harpenden is a very community-minded town. People like to join together. Different people put on different activities.

“It's a town that still has the heart of a village. It's got a tremendous sense of belonging.”

Tony Usher, vice-chairman of Harpenden Lions, said: “Year after year the sun shines on this event and we manage to raise a lot of money.”