The traditional Highland Games took place at Tomintoul, Aberdeenshire, last Saturday, July 18, writes Duncan Watson. The village is believed to be the highest settlement in the country. In common with the USA, this year marks its 250 years of existence. There were extra events to celebrate this.
Considering the population of the village and surrounding area, there was a huge crowd of spectators and, having chatted to a few, it was very clear that there is a lot of enthusiasm for the sort of traditional games that take place each July in Tomintoul.
The weather was a bit breezy and cool. Further west, the country nearer Nethybridge, there were ongoing hill fires due to the dry conditions and local lads went to assist the firefighters.
As to the piping, there was good turnout in the junior ranks, but the number of adults was low. The numbers do wildly fluctuate year on year at Tomintoul as it is quite a remote region.
Piobaireachd
1 Iain Simpson (Bathgate) – Lament for Mary MacLeod
2 Calum Brown (Aberdeen) – Lady MacDonald’s Lament.
3 James McPetrie (Edinburgh) – Hiharin dro o dro
4 Edward Gaul (Dundee) – King’s Taxes
Marches
1 Calum Brown
2 Edward Gaul
3 Hamish Munro
4 Hugo Macpherson
Strathspey and Reel
1 Calum Brown
2 Hugo Macpherson
3 Hamish Munro
4 Edward Gaul
Jig & Hornpipe
1 Calum Brown
2 Iain Simpson
3 James McPetrie
4 Hamish Munro
U18 Ceol Mòr: 1 Callam Gilliam 2 Sam Brass 3 Mirren Silver 4 Oscar Melville-Butler
U18 March: 1 Oscar Melville-Butler 2 Mirren Silver 3 Sam Brass 4 Harper Cheyne
U18 S&R: 1 Mirren Silver 2 Oscar Melville-Butler 3 Sam Brass 4 Harper Cheyne
U15 March: 1 Mirren Silver 2 Angus Gourley 3 Marshall Cochrane 4 Abi Clark
U15 S&R: 1 Mirren Silver 2 Harper Cheyne 3 Anya O’Gorman 4 Angus Gourley
(Apologies if there are spelling errors in the names in these lists. Please forward corrections to the Editor.)
The photograph at the head of this article is of Iain Simpson who was, as reported, the winner of the Piobaireachd. The photographer took the photo from behind, fearing that snapping Iain facing the camera would distract him when the tune was going smoothly.
It is worth indicating that while there were not many in the competition, Iain’s playing showed more maturity than others. It was an object lesson in phrasing, and his technique was nice and relaxed, delivering music as opposed to showing off dexterity. My fellow judge, Mr Niall Matheson, who has significant knowledge of the piece, was certainly impressed.
Judges: R Anderson, L Barclay, G Brown, I Duncan, N Matheson, N Selbie, D Watson
Pipes & Chanters
Click on pic for details