Living
Hundreds gather for annual Scottish games
Monday, 19 November 2012 by Grayson Edds
During opening ceremonies of the 51st annual Scottish Gathering and Games, four groups of pipes and drums bands marched past spectators, officially kicking off the weekend’s festivities.Over the Veterans Day Weekend, Salado hosted the 51st Annual Scottish Gathering and Games at the Salado Youth Sports Fields, also knows as the Field of Dreams.
Even though the event opened on Friday night, their opening ceremonies took place at noon on Saturday.
Soldiers led the parade down Salado Park Road, followed by four pipes and drums bands and a handful of clans who were represented at the festival.
This year's Color Guard were troopers from Fort Hood's 3rd Cavalry Division. Dignitaries included Special Emissary from the Scottish Parliament Robert Allen, 3rd Viscount Dunrossil Andrew Morrison, John B. Richardson, IV, Commander, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, Fort Hood, and Salado's Pro-Tem Mayor.
Also in attendance was the Warrior Transition Brigade.
This year's festival was sponsored by the Central Texas Area Museum. Donations and a portion of the funds raised were provided to the museum, a nonprofit organization, for upgrades.
Three music tents were in operation all weekend long featuring a dozen artists and performers from all over the country including Highland Reign, Seamus Stout, Jed Marum, Rising Gael, Tullamore, Scotland Rising, Cleghorn, Carl Peterson, Ed Miller, Campbell and McKenna, Tom Beadnell, and Kyle Carey. Storyteller Donna Ingham was also in attendance.
Scottish athletics were played by both youth and adults, including events such as Tossing the Caber, Weight Toss & Throw, Hammer Throw, Tossing the Sheaf, and Stone Toss.
Don't forget the dancers! Although they may not be considered athletic today, these dances require a strong sense of balance, grace, and strength. Dancers of all ages participated in the Highland Fling, Hornpipe, Sword Dance, Seann Triubhas, and Lilt.
And to top it all off, the food and drink were reasonably priced and delicious. From turkey legs to Bangers and Mash, Scottish eggs and fish and chips, it was all served with your choice of beer or a variety of teas.
Clan tents lined up next to each other for newcomers to see if they may fall into one clan or another, each proudly displaying their crest. Vendors were onsite to brand your favorite new (or old) crest into koozies, t-shirts, and the like. Beautiful metalwork, woodwork, and jewelry with Scottish flare were also available for sale.
For more information on this year's Gathering and Games, contact the Central Texas Area Museum at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (254)947-5232 or visit www.saladoscottishgames.org.
