Hundreds of Highlanders marched through the glens of Aberdeenshire at the weekend to mark the 175th anniversary of the Lonach Gathering.
The Lonach Highlanders, the largest body of non-military men to carry ceremonial weapons in Britain, were joined on their marches by Europe’s only private army, the Atholl Highlanders.
Around 9,000 spectators turned out to celebrate the games, with organisers hailing the day’s events as the best attended in recorded history.
The day featured six pipe bands from across Scotland including who were joined by the pipes and drums of the Royal Guard from the Royal Highland Fusiliers.
Drum major for the Royal Highland Fusiliers second battalion, Innes Common, said the weather had made the day all the more special.
He said: “It’s been a big event this weekend, and made even more special by it being the 175th anniversary.
“We were fortunate enough to be here last year, however there was a bit of cloud in the sky so having such fantastic weather today has definitely made a huge difference to the day.”
Major Common said it was a great experience to perform as part of the massed band.
He added: “The highlight has to be for us playing in the massed band, it’s always a brilliant experience to be playing along with civilians and young children as we don’t get to do that all that often.
“I’ve been in the army nearly 16 years and played for civilian pipe bands before that so it’s something I’ve always loved.
“I’d also recommend joining a band, it’s a great experience and especially within the Scottish military and an infantry battalion based in Scotland pipes and drums, having the troops marching behind you is always very special.”
First held in 1832, the Lonach Gathering is amongst the oldest Highland games in Scotland and has been held annually, except during the war years.
Organisers of the games, the Lonach Highland and Friendly Society, said the day had been a momentous occasion that “means so much to so many people”.
Jennifer Stewart, secretary and chief executive of the organisation, said: “It’s been a fantastic day, when the march began at 8am there were 210 Lonach Highlanders and it was just a wonderful sight.
“There has been glorious sunshine and I’m confident there will have been a record crowd attending.
“It’s a wonderful setting and people just love the Lonach, and with it being the 175th anniversary, it’s all made that little bit more special.
“The atmosphere has been electric, everyone both locally and from across the world loves the games and that means everything.
“I can’t explain in words how much the games mean if you’re from here, I’ve never missed a Lonach in over 50 years and my father was a Lonach Highlander, so is my son, it means so much to so many people.”
Mrs Stewart said preparations were already underway for next years events.
She added: “We’ve got so many volunteers, it’s a lot of work, we’re already preparing for next year, and none of it would be possible without everyone’s help, but seeing the crowds, we have people from Canada and Australia here day, makes all the hard work worth it.
“I think seeing all the Highlander’s go round the arena, it almost brings a tear to the eye, this is the only type of highland games that has the march of the Highlanders in the world.”
The games are also famous for bringing in competitors from across the country.
And stealing the show in the junior events was 24-year-old Kyle Randalls.
Despite being a regular at the games, he was still taken aback by the special Highland march.
The Grangemouth man said: “Seeing all the Highlanders marching is something that I have been really looking forward to and certainly makes the day that little bit more special and exciting to be competing in.
“It’s certainly something you don’t get to see every day, and even something quite rare for the games so I’m happy that the weather held off and that the crowds have come out in force.
“Especially as the start of the season, the weather did let us down, and usually there is rain around this time so it’s been a fantastic result for the sun to be shining, and it to be staying pretty warm.
“We’ve also got some current world champions here which has been another exciting part of Lonach this year.”
Aboyne, Upper Deeside and Donside councillor, Katrina Farquhar, also attended the games volunteering as a steward.
She said: “It’s been a fantastic day and with the weather being so glorious the crowds have been quite immense, I’ve been volunteering on the gates and the people just kept on coming, which is really what you want to see.
“And it’s great to see so many locals and visitors all coming together to celebrate the games on this special anniversary year.
“There is an unbelievable atmosphere and seeing the games being as big and successful as Lonach it’s brilliant.
“Seeing the Highlanders also really gets at your heart strings, I have family included, and it’s made the event that little bit more special.”
The gathering’s counterpart Lonach Highland Ball will take place on Friday with tickets still available from the committee’s website.
