At some or other time all of us have wondered exactly what the Scottish wear under those kilts, if anything at all? You don’t have to be a Scot for you to haul out a kilt, air it and get ready for the first Scottish Leader Highland Games gathering in Gauteng – after seven successful years in the KZN Midlands – taking place on 21 June 2014 at the Glenburn Lodge in Cradle of Human Kind.
In partnership with Distell’s Scottish Leader, the Glenburn Lodge at the Cradle of Humankind and Scottish tradition and entertainment will be celebrated in the Highveld as Gautengers get acquainted with the tastes and sounds and sights of Scotland.
The inaugural Scottish Leader Highland Games in Gauteng will be making an unforgettable impression as a spirited community event that will be entrenched in Gautengers’ minds and social calendars for years to come. It will see patrons being immersed in “athletic” activities such as Tossing the caber (75kgs), Carrying the Weight (74kgs), Shot Put (26kgs), the ever-popular Tug ‘o War and a kilted mile – a race through the Cradle’s bush veld.
“Now there’s no need for those living in Gauteng to make that trek all the way to the KZN Midlands just so they can enjoy an exhilarating day of Scottish tradition,” said Lorne Maclaine, chairman of the Highland Games.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that the Scottish Leader Highland Games SA will find a yet another home in Gauteng as locals immerse themselves completely in all that is Scottish. I can let you know that they definitely will not be disappointed. In fact, I know they will simply be blown away and will find it very difficult to wait for next year’s event,” he added.
The games will have 10 teams competing on the main field, comprising six civilian teams – including a team from the Lions rugby franchise and four military teams. The only question that remains is if The Bulls will simply let The Lions walk away with the honours unchallenged or if they will join the festivities and give The Lions a run for their money as they turn the Cradle of Humankind into a sporting war zone. Not to be outdone, the Muldersdrift police station is also in training and will be sending a team to compete.
Known for their rather unique culinary offerings that include haggis, kippers, bridie and stovies, guests’ taste buds are in for a treat as they will be sampling a taste of Scottish cuisine.
Engaging entertainment will be plentiful, and will include Scottish dance displays interspersed with local musical talent at the tea garden hosted by the Rotarians, plus fascinating displays of herding prowess demonstrated by man’s (and sheep’s) best friend – the Border Collie.
If tea is not exactly your choice of drink, then the beer tent promises delicious thirst-quenching local brews. A full bar will be open all day including wine from the broader Distell range for those with a slightly more sophisticate palate.
We would like to thank the SANDF for the logistical support, we also anticipate the SANDF will have a static display and recruitment team will be on hand to answer any queries regarding careers in the army. The display will hopefully include the Infantry, Artillery, Armour, Combat Engineers Support Services and The Air force.
A number of local Gauteng Pipe Bands will perform throughout the day including; African Skye, Glen Allen, Kempton Park, National youth Pipe band and Pretoria Highlanders. In addition, a local school is sending their choir to sing the national anthem at the grand opening and the Triumph vintage car club will be displaying its finest collection for the gathered crowd. Children will be well-catered for as they enjoy a jungle gym, jumping castle, slush puppy stand and an ice cream stall.
The official opening of the games at 12pm (gates open at 8am) will see over 200 competitors and pipers on parade. The opening will be hosted by the chairman, The Maclaine of Lochbuie, The Duke of Atholl, Brig Gen Maminze and Col Pat Acutt.
Tickets are available from Computicket and will cost R85 for adults and R30 for scholars and pensioners, while gate sales will be R100 for adults. There is more than enough secure parking for guests who will be enthralled by Scottish tradition and nuances, while those who need more information can log onto www.highlandgamessouthafrica.co.za, Twitter and Facebook.
