Braemar Highland Gathering

Braemar Highland Gathering

First Saturday in September

In the 11th century, King Malcolm held a gathering of the Scottish clans in Braemar to test their strength and to choose the hardiest soldiers. Competitors were asked to toss the caber—a pole 16' to 20' long and weighing 120 pounds—in such a way that it landed on its other end, much the way loggers used to toss logs across a river. The Braemar Gathering is still an annual event in the village of Braemar in Scotland, and the participants are still required to wear kilts and toss the caber. But the event has been expanded to include traditional Highland dancing, bagpipe music, games, and other athletic competitions as well.
See also Highland Games

CONTACTS:
Braemar Royal Highland Society
Coilacriech
Ballater, Aberdeenshire AB35 5UH United Kingdom
44-13-3975-5377; fax: 44-13-3975-5377
www.braemargathering.org

SOURCES:
AnnivHol-2000, p. 147
BkHolWrld-1986, Sep 6

Celebration days: Sep 3, 2011; Sep 1, 2012; Sep 7, 2013; Sep 6, 2014; Sep 5, 2015