Highland Games

This weekend was the world famous Highland games in Halkirk.  I must not have been around last year because I did not make it, but this year we had a tent and I was 'working' from 1 to 3.

The weather was glorious and hot by Highland standards.  The games are a bit like a fair with track and field events...in a kilt.  

Everything is set up in a big circle and then there are multiple activities going on inside that circle.  Depending on what you are interested in, you park yourself in that general direction.

There were pipe bands about every 30 minutes that made the circle and when they were finished they came out a bit red faced.

I suspect Thurso Pipe band rarely gets to wear their short sleeved shirts

There is a strong man competition going on the entire games, and they do a variety of activities.  Guys from all over the world come for this.  I was really hoping to see them toss the giant wooden posts, but they were doing the ball and chain the whole time I was there.  One guy even went for the world record - he didn't get it.

There are also gorgeous young girls dancing away to a single piper.  They do these dances as singles, doubles and in groups.  It is very energetic, but not cheerful dancing.

When the pipe bands aren't going around the circle, they are having bike races.  These guys are on street bikes with street tires, and the goal is speed.  I was told the locals prefer this part of the games to be done in the wet, as that makes it more exciting.  Everyone stayed on their bikes when I was watching.

After several hours, I gathered my things and bought some Highland raspberries and strawberries and went home to walk the dogs.  I know most have you have eaten raspberries and you may think you know what they are supposed to taste like, but I tell you - and I'm a bit sad for you - you have no idea because Halkirk raspberries are amazing!