NEXT
GAMES
22nd JULY 2008
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The Great Day
It is traditionally believed that the first highland games in Inveraray were put on to entertain Mary Queen of Scots in 1563 when she visited her half sister, the Countess of Argyll.
The modern games as we know them date from the end of the 19 th century and apart from the War years Inveraray Highland Games have been held more or less annually since then.
The venue is the picturesque Winterton Park within the policies of Inveraray Castle, home of the Duke and Duchess of Argyll. Bordered by fine avenues of trees the field is overlooked on the North by Dun na Cuaiche, the hill on which stands the Watch Tower.
Close by is the Ancient Royal Burgh of Inveraray on the shores of Loch Fyne, one of the best preserved examples in Scotland of an 18th century planned town. See www.visit-inveraray.co.uk for where to stay and for other information on the attractions in the area. See also the Local Tourist Information Office www.inveraray-argyll.co.uk
Inveraray presents the ideal setting for Highland Games where the traditional skills in Piping, Highland Dancing and Athletics are demonstrated by experts from Britain and Overseas.
The main programme commences at 10.45am with a march to the Games Field from the centre of the Town lead by a Pipe Band.
To supplement your enjoyment there are a huge range of stalls selling gifts, local produce and fun for the children. There are displays - including regular performances from the Pipe Band throughout the day and the ever popular Fun Fair
TRACK AND FIELD EVENTS
It is perhaps the athletics which form the core of the Games. Whilst many events are common to all athletic meetings Highland Games are famed for their special competitions involving throwing the larger than normal hammers and weights and of course, tossing the caber, this event is reminiscent of the days when foresters had to use muscle power to move trees through the woods. The challenge caber at the Inveraray Highland Games is one of the largest on the Games circuit measuring an impressive 21feet 6 inches.
The legendary Rob Roy MacGregor, in addition to being a skilled swordsman, was also a formidable wrestler and such events form an important part of traditional Highland Games. The Scottish Backhold competition which you will see taking place at the Inveraray Games is said to date back to Viking times.
