Let's Hear It For Bagpipes!

The old joke goes - What is the definition of a Scottish gentleman? Someone who can play the bagpipes but doesn't. Well we subjected ourselves to a day of bagpiping and survived (quite well, in fact). We left Inverness and drove over the Cairngorm Highlands which are bald mountains covered with purple heather. It was stunning. We had planned to spend the afternoon at the Ballater Highland Games to the south of the mountains near Balmoral (the Queens's summer residence). It was like one giant church picnic with bagpipes and a lot more alcohol. The head of the clan arrived to great fanfare to take in the events (not too bad for a 98 year old). The heavy lifting events (caber toss, heavy stone, etc.) got a lot of attention but there was plenty of Highland dancing as well as Track and Field events for all kinds of athletes. The highlight race was the Hill Run which had runners of all ages (and I mean all ages) run up the hill overlooking the town and back. Quite impressive! And throughout all these events (don't forget the Tug o' War, the Sack Race, and the unforgettable Tip the Bucket), bagpipers are competing against each other. Unfortunately none of the Royal Family took the time to come down to take in the games 'next door'. We went to Balmoral to have a look around but the gates were closed since the Queen was in. Anyway, it was still an unforgettable day!