Project 52: Week 22, Blackford Highland Games

[billtils]

The Blackford Games are the first in the summer season of Highland Gatherings, and the venue is within easy traveling distance for me. Add that the weather was excellent for a day out (albeit on the harsh side for photography) and it was a no-brainer.

First up, one of the drummers in the Pipe Band:




The competitive events are quite varied, ranging from "Heavyweights" to cycle and foot races. I was given permission to go into the arena to photograph the hammer throwing, on the condition that I kept behind the safety cage:



It was good to get close to the action, but I found the net distracting, and took some of the weight throwing from the sidelines:




Most of the events are Open, but some, including the 100yd race, have separate events for youths:




The cultural side of things is catered for with the highland dancing events. These are very competitive and have large entries in most classes, so much so that the usual set up was 6 to 10 competitors on the stage at a time, in two rows:










And lastly and just for fun ... in case anyone is curious about what is worn beneath the kilt:

[Donald]

Good set of images that conveys what Highlands Games are about.

[george013]

The Olympic Games for the Scots.
Nice pictures.

And lastly and just for fun ... in case anyone is curious about what is worn beneath the kilt:

I've proof of different.

George

[skitterbug]

These are a treat - colorful and full of interest!
Those protective nets are definitely a nuisance. Lucky you had a chance to go around them! It was worth asking about!

[Shadowman]

Nice series.

[royent]

Karliesmith
What has your comment got to do with the above photos ?

[pschlute]

Karliesmith
What has your comment got to do with the above photos ?

[rpcrowe]

I love the Highland Games. we have these every June in a neighboring city: Vista, just a short distance away.