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The Courier
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Courier
Tossing cabers and chasing kilts at Perthshire's Atholl Gathering
We've come to the Atholl Gathering, one of Scotland's most historic Highland Games, for a celebration of tradition, spectacle, and family fun. Blair Castle rises white and proud against the Perthshire hills, and its grounds are alive with kilts, cabers, and cannon fire. As a family with roots in Scotland but years spent elsewhere, we've always clung tightly to our heritage – none more so than on days like this. There's something deeply satisfying about being surrounded by tartan, cheering on pipers, and watching kilted competitors hurl logs in front of a castle. And with sunshine, cold rain, blustery wind and the promise of burgers, bouncy castles and a Highlander's dash, the day promised a classic 'four seasons in one day' Scottish adventure. We'd never been before, but its reputation as one of the more iconic Games intrigued us, especially since it's the only one in Scotland to feature a private army legally sanctioned by the monarch – the Atholl Highlanders, a ceremonial regiment that still marches under the command of the Duke of Atholl. The Gathering takes place on the beautiful Atholl Estates, stretching across some 145,000 acres of forests, rivers, and mountains. Blair Castle itself, all white turrets and baronial flair, has stood since the 13th century, and was once visited by Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie. This place breathes history, and the Atholl Gathering honours it in a way that's very much alive. We arrived on a sunny-but-showery Sunday as he car queue wound its way through tree-lined lanes toward the castle. Once parked, the familiar scent of fried onions hit us: a sure sign the fairground was nearby. Our daughter Lily, eagle-eyed for anything inflatable, immediately clocked the bouncy castle. But first: the arena. A large flat expanse with a gently sloping hill to one side gave everyone a perfect view, and the white glimmer of Blair Castle peeked through the trees. Bagpipes filled the air as solo pipers competed nearby – one of many ongoing contests throughout the day. Having missed out on lunch from the Seafood Bothy (note to self: bring cash next year), we grabbed burgers and fries. Lily devoured her cheeseburger with gusto before dragging us, finally, to the fairground – bouncy castle, inflatable slide, and carousel were all tested thoroughly. One of the day's most impressive spectacles was the opening ceremony, marked by the firing of a cannon by the Atholl Highlanders. Lily, having confidently claimed she wouldn't jump at the bang, did – of course – jump. Then came the massed pipes and drums, marching in formation, a stirring, goosebump-inducing moment. Lily, inspired, planned to 'practice her drum' when we got home. We weren't quite as enthusiastic about that. We settled into the hillside to watch the heavy events – shot put, wrestling, and the one we'd waited for: the Highlander's Dash. I was told this foot race involved Highlanders sprinting down hills in full regalia; but it was a loop around the arena, and though it lacked the steep descent I'd expected, the energy was no less electric. Later, it was time for the family races. Lily, only three, was too young for the youngest category and distraught that she couldn't compete in the events she'd been watching all day. I tried to take her to the start line with the hope they'd make an exception, but she got shy halfway there and backed out, so I decided to step in for the adult races instead. Now, let me clarify: I thought this was a short sprint. Turns out, it was a full lap around the arena. Not ideal when you're in the '40s' category and wearing big boots. After missing the starting gun (chatting to a steward in a kilt – understandable distraction), I joined the race, overtaken by 30-somethings as I gasped my way to the finish. But I crossed it – proudly, breathlessly – earning Lily's applause and a valuable parenting win: showing up and joining in. Between the races, we stopped for coffee and churros, watched the Highland dancers on a nearby stage, and later, sought out our own little patch of grass for our own family races so Lily could win (every time). Before heading home, we wandered up to the Hercules Garden, a beautifully restored 18th-century walled garden with ornamental bridges, lily ponds, and classical statues. Once abandoned, it was brought back to life in the 20th century. As we explored, Lupins in full bloom, Lily – still riding high on our foraging tour from a previous visit – tried to eat every plant she could reach. We gently suggested otherwise. Back in the arena, the caber toss was in full swing – massive tree trunks hoisted and hurled with skill and strength. One competitor's failed toss prompted Lily's sage analysis: 'He hasn't been eating enough salad.' Her logic? 'Salad makes you strong.' She eats her salad, so it must be true. As the final rain of the day soaked us through, we bundled into the car, wet clothes discarded, heat blasting, and hearts full. The Atholl Gathering had delivered everything: history, hilarity, community, and a deep sense of connection – not just to Scotland, but to something older, prouder, and enduring. If you've never been, go. Bring your waterproofs. And bring cash. Burntisland Highland Games – Monday, July 21 Burntisland Links, Fife Recognised as the second oldest Highland Games in the world, Burntisland's event combines traditional athletic contests with modern attractions. Visitors can witness heavyweight events, Highland dancing, and solo piping, all set against a scenic coastal backdrop. Crieff Highland Gathering – Sunday, August 17 Market Park, Crieff Known as Scotland's leading Highland Games, this gathering offers a comprehensive program of events. From heavyweight competitions and Highland dancing to cycling races and massed pipe bands, the day culminates in the stirring Salute to the Chieftain Strathmore Highland Games – Sunday, June 8 Glamis Castle, Angus Set against the majestic backdrop of Glamis Castle,attendees can enjoy traditional heavy events, Highland dancing, and piping competitions, all within the castle's historic grounds. Pitlochry Highland Games – Saturday, September 13 Recreation Ground, Pitlochry Concluding the Highland Games season, Pitlochry's event is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and scenic location. The day includes traditional athletic events, Highland dancing, piping competitions, and a grand parade of pipe bands.
ABC News
02-06-2025
- General
- ABC News
Aunty Denise Willis guides students through the smoking ceremony at the reconciliation walk.
More than 600 people gathered for the annual reconciliation school walk in Warilla to mark National Reconciliation Week, bringing to life this year's theme: 'Bridging Now to Next'.
Press and Journal
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
GALLERY: The Gathering 2025 brings Scottish music and culture to Inverness
Hundreds turned out for this year's annual 'The Gathering' which took place on Saturday at the Northern Meeting Park Arena, Inverness. The 2025 lineup included Skipinnish, Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Kinnaris Quintet, Calum MacPhail, and Claire Hastings. The City of Inverness Youth Pipe Band also performed, showcasing their talent and skill. For youngsters, there was sensory play, mini Highland Games, face painting and the opportunity to meet Merida from Brave. Local food and drink vendors for all to enjoy, such as The Redshank, Highland Hog Roasts and Auld Smokey Pizza. The Gathering was an incredible day celebrating Scottish music, culture, food and drink. Visitors were seen having an unforgettable time. P&J photographer was there to capture all the excitement.
Daily Record
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Outlander fans left puzzled as they spot multiple 'inconsistencies' ahead of final season
Outlanders fans flocked to Reddit to voice their concerns about one particular storyline surrounding Murtagh Fraser. Outlander's highly anticipated eighth and final season is looming with the show expected to air in late 2025 or early 2026. However, while the excitement is building for the grand finale, some die-hard fans are still hung up on previous plot "inconsistencies" surrounding their favourite characters which have left them puzzled. Fans rushed to the social media site Reddit to voice their concerns with the storyline surrounding Jocasta Cameron and Murtagh Fraser's romantic reunion. In the Starz show, the pair develop a romantic relationship despite the fact that Murtagh is supposed to be madly in love with Ellen, Jocasta's sister. This relationship is hugely different from what happens in the original Outlander books, written by Diana Gabaldon. In the novels, Murtagh actually dies at Culloden but in the series, he lives and his story continues, which is when his relationship with Jocasta develops. Murtagh eventually dies at the Battle of Alamance in the fifth season, the Irish Star reports. One fan took to Reddit to remark: "I would give myself a headache if I stopped to consider all of the inconsistencies they never thought about. Bless you for having the stomach for it. "That said, the the whole Jocasta/Murtagh 'reunion' when he brought Brianna to River Run made no sense. "Murtagh was a Fraser and wouldn't have been in the habit of hanging out at Leoch, but he attended the Gathering where he tried to court Ellen. Jocasta was already married off and gone by then. They never would have met before." A second echoed: "Maybe Murtagh visited Miss Fitzgibbons." A third replied: "Not impossible, but it wouldn't explain Jocasta acting like he's her long lost love." A fourth agreed: "Yes, her remembering his hands sounded as if they grew up together." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. A fifth chimed in: "Even once Jocasta was married I suppose she still could have gone to the Gathering or otherwise visited her sister Ellen? "Jamie identifies him as a Fraser by surname but his aunt by marriage Mrs. Fitzgibbons is at Leoch. "When we met him he's traveling/living with the MacKenzies intermittently. "While obviously that's for Jamie's benefit, none of the other men behave as though he's an outsider or a guest at Leoch's table, to the point that Claire has to be told he's not just another Leoch MacKenzie. "I always assumed he had some marginal connection to the Leoch MacKenzies like a grandparent." In other news, several Outlander stars have joined forces for a new venture just last month. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Steven Cree, who played Old Ian Murray, Duncan Lacroix, who portrayed Murtagh Fitzgibbons, and Claire Sermonne, known for her role of Louise de Rohan, have all featured in the latest music video from fellow Outlander actor Andrew Gower's band Gustaffson. The Outlander trio, along with a host of other celebrities including Line of Duty's Leanne Best, David Gyasi of The Diplomat, and Arty Froushan from Carnival Row, have all shared their previously unseen audition self-tapes, which are shown in the music video for Gustaffson's new single Closer from their debut album Black and White Movie.
Saba Yemen
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Muslim Scholars Gathering in Lebanon Commends Yemeni People's Solidarity with Palestine
Beirut - (Saba): The Muslim Scholars Gathering in Lebanon praised the honorable turnout of the Yemeni people in the mass demonstrations held on Friday in the capital, Sana'a, and across the provinces, affirming their solidarity with the oppressed Palestinian people in the face of the Zionist enemy and the genocide being committed in the Gaza Strip. In a statement, the Gathering said: "Here are the authentic Arab masses of the Yemeni people, who uphold true Muhammadan Islam, taking to the streets in the millions to express their solidarity with Gaza. They reject American dictates and support the Palestinian people—not just in words, but through hypersonic ballistic missiles raining down on strategic sites in the Zionist entity, particularly Ben Gurion Airport, forcing hundreds of thousands of settlers to seek shelter for extended hours. This has dealt a severe blow to waves of Jewish immigration to Palestine, turning them into mass reverse migration movements out of the Zionist entity, which has now become unsafe and fraught with danger." Commenting on recent developments and U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to the region, the Gathering stated: "Iran alone in the region dares to say 'no' to American tyranny, as expressed by its President Masoud Pezeshkian, who said: 'We are advocates of peace, but we will not bow to any power and will not surrender.' His words reflect the views of the overwhelming majority of the peoples of our Islamic nation, the free people around the world, and the resistance movements in Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen, and Iraq that oppose Zionist aggression." Whatsapp Telegram Email Print
