The Games of 2019 are nearly upon us and what an event they promise to be. On this occasion we will be celebrating 20 years of the Aberdeen Highland Games. When organising the inaugural Games in 2000 I don’t believe any of us contemplated the 20 year celebration but here we are!
It is a pleasure to announce that our Honoured Guest for 2019 is Nicola O’Driscoll. We are so pleased she has accepted the role as it will give us our first female Chieftain. It is also most fitting as she is the daughter of the late David Macintyre, our Chieftain in year one and who was a great supporter of the Games as well as all other activities involving Scottish heritage.
As part of our 20 year celebration, the Committee has decided to put back into the local region two assets of a permanent nature. Firstly, a Commemorative Cairn recognising the contributions of the Scots to the area and secondly the striking of a new district tartan in the name of the Upper Hunter.
We have received go ahead from Council for the Cairn, to be constructed in Taylor Park,Aberdeen. This will be completed prior to the Games with Council contributing towards the total cost. The Upper Hunter tartan #12320 was registered in December last and there are now items available in the tartan. Please visit our merchandise tent at the Games and take a look at the items of merchandise we now have available.
You may look forward to an array of stall holders who bring their wares for sale; to the pipe bands who fill the air with music and return year after year for what they see as a “great day out”; the Kilted Warriors whose feats of strength draw huge numbers. For this celebratory year the Warriors have a special event where they will attempt to break the Australian record in lifting a stone. Plus all the other events in which the whole family can partake. The ceilidh in the evening has always been a great hit with the tickets selling at a premium.
On behalf of the committee I bid you all a welcome to Aberdeen and to the 20th annual Aberdeen Highland Games. We hope and trust that your sojourn with us in July is a great one that will have many happy memories in the years to come.
Charles Cooke – President