The Highland Games SA at Michaelhouse
If ye be a Scot… then it is time to haul out yer kilt, air it and get ready for the eighth Highland Games Gathering in the KZN Midlands.
This highly popular celebration of Scottish traditions has become a firm favourite on the annual events calendar in the Midlands, thanks to Scottish Leader, Michaelhouse School, Tourism KZN and 'The Mercury'.
The Highland Games in its original form centred round mainly athletics and affiliated competitions, with familiar events such as tossing-the-caber and tug-of-war continuing into the contemporary form of the games. These events have also become emblematic of Scotland, along with the kilt, whisky, haggis, bagpipes and Scottish dancing.
The "athletic" element of the fun includes Tossing the caber (75kgs), Carrying the Weight (74kgs), Shot Put (26kgs), plus Tug o' War and a kilted mile – a race through the bush veld.
We have six military teams competing on the main field as well as six civilian team including for the first time IN South Africa two women's teams. As the games are on Women's day it is fitting and appropriate that a Team from Michaelhouse take on a women's team from Hilton College. We also have our stalwarts 'Green Bottle Ballies' and 'McSolly's'. The combined Nottingham road / Michaelhouse team will be returning to defend their crown.
A number of local KZN Pipe Bands which include 1 Med, KZN and Pietermaritzburg Callies will perform throughout the day including a massed pipes and drums display for the official opening with all competitors at 12 pm. The opening will be hosted by The Chairman 'The Maclaine of Lochbuie' The dignitaries will be brought to the Dais by horse and carriage and will include a display by Boo Verwey on her Magnificent Western American Quarter Horse. Iain Guthrie's immaculately turned out Shire horses will lead the procession.
A Midlands Meander Education Project in conjunction with Curry's Post Primary will be sending a choir to sing the national anthem at the official opening to be accompanied by the SA Army band
Other entertainment at the Tea Garden includes Scottish dance displays, interspersed with music from the PMB Carbineers and dancing from the Michaelhouse Red Bulls dance group. The Tea Garden is in the capable hands of the Howick Rotarians and will also include an art display featuring local artists
Throughout the day the well situated 'Square Sausage Bar' will be in operation to quench even the most discerning thirst. A full bar will be open all day including wine from the broader Distell range. As ever, a large selection of food choices for the whole family
Children will be well catered for with a Jungle Gym, a Jumping Castle, a Slush Puppy stand and an Ice Cream Stall.
There is plenty of secure parking
R60 for adults and R25 for scholars and pensioners
