Cabrach event to offer unique chance for competitors to take part in Highland Games
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AN EVENT near Huntly will offer locals a unique chance to take part in the Highland Games.
The Cabrach Trust, who last year relaunched The Cabrach Picnic and Games after a 70-year hiatus, will welcome hundreds of guests and participants of all ages to Inverharroch Farm, near Huntly, on Sunday, July 30. Entry is free.
Sam Dowdall of The Cabrach Trust said: “This is a family-friendly, have-a-go event where visitors can experience traditional Highland Games and take part rather than sit and watch.
“We were delighted with the turnout of more than 200 people for last year’s launch event.”
The event will offer guests free parking, free tea, coffee and cake, and free entry to a new arena, including a Games Field and a performance stage for dancers within the walled garden adjacent to the old Cabrach School. Guests can also savour a delicious hog roast for a small fee of £2.50.
Children can take part in caber-tossing, hammer-throwing, stone-carrying and a series of races instructed and guided by Charlie Murray, chair of the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association.
The fiercely-contested adults’ tug of war is again open to new participants on the day and will see rival teams from Upper Cabrach and Lower Cabrach go head to head.
The winner could receive the famed Rose Bowl if the historic prize can be located in time.
The occasion will feature a debut performance by Pipe Major Ian Stewart of the specially-composed tune The Cabrach Picnic, a homage to the historic event.
Renowned young performers of Huntly’s Alison Gordon School of Dance will provide entertainment alongside Huntly Pipe Band and mother-and-daughter act Bronagh and Alison Gillies of Dufftown.
Pupils of Mortlach Primary School will stage an exhibition at the Acorn Centre, adjacent to the Games Field, as part of The Cabrach Trust’s Cabrach Lives project.
This was where the children visited Inverharroch Farm earlier this year to gather natural materials to create bespoke scarves representative of the local landscape.
Jonathan Christie, CEO of The Cabrach Trust, will welcome visitors, including guest of honour Michael Kidd, a prolific journal writer and expert on the history of the event.
Visitors will have the chance to learn about becoming a member of The Cabrach Trust, while rangers will lead demonstrations and, for children, guided walks on a nature trail.
For more information on The Cabrach Trust email – alex@thisistailormade.com
