62nd Annual Games
JULY 6-9
Scottish Cultural Village Games of the Highland Games Delicious GMHG food options A Special Publication of
Highland Games Map
2 - Mountain Times Publications
GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN HIGHLAND GAMES
GAMES
GMHG ASSISTS LOCAL STUDENTS WITH SCHOLARSHIPS
FOR ALL TIMES! Grandfather Mountain Highland Games reacquaints present with past BY JAMIE SHELL editor@averyjournal.com
G
RANDFATHER MOUNTAIN — For more than six decades, the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in Linville has served as a grand tartan reunion where clans gather from around the world to celebrate their Scottish heritage. Each second weekend in July, GMHG inundates and educates festivalgoers in traditional Scottish culture, from pipes and drums to haggis and shepherd’s pie. The fourday festival that is the Games has been a destination for competition, entertainment, reunion and celebration of Scottish heritage by thousands who return each year to the event affectionately known as “America’s Braemar.” This year’s GMHG is no different. Whether it’s the opportunity to try Scottish Cottage’s barbecue haggis, or competing in events such as the tossing of the sheaf or “The Bear;” whether enjoying the dulcet tones of Celtic music from bands from around the world in one of the multiple groves at the site of the Games, MacRae Meadows, observing Scottish traditions and customs, or simply stopping by a clan tent to learn one’s family history or picking up a souvenir for a family member or loved one, Grandfather Mountain Highland Games leaves an indelible impression as a unique and fun-filled weekend. “Patrons visiting the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games have the opportunity to research their Scottish heritage and find which clan they belong to while enjoying a great weekend of events,” GMHG General Manager Tommy Taylor said. “The entertainment aspect of the Games is vast. I’ve told people it sometimes compares to a 20-ring circus with everything going on in the Groves and on the field.” Thousands of visitors — recent
PHOTO BY ROB MOORE The Torchlight Ceremony, held on the Thursday night of each year’s Games, was an ancient act historically used to summon the clans for battle. GMHG utilizes the unique event, however, as a call to gather the clans for celebration, competition and camaraderie annually at MacRae Meadows.
PHOTO BY ROB MOORE Banner Elk’s Judd Gowin marches at the field during the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in Linville. Clans gather annually to reunite, reacquaint and reminisce of the Scottish homeland during the extended weekend on MacRae Meadows.
years have seen attendance peak at anywhere from 30,000 to 50,000 visitors from around the globe — enjoy a wide range of activities. The musical competitions — fiddles, pipes, drums, harps and more — are a veritable buffet for the ears, while the Games features dancing events that will have the most novice of dancers tapping
Thursday, July 6, 2017
their feet to the rhythm. Each year, the athletic competitions at GMHG rival any Scottish games in the world. The foot races such as “The Bear,” and the Grandfather Marathon, have tested the will and skills of hundreds of athletes annually, while traditional competitions like caber throwing, hammer, sheaf and weight tossing, not to mention the popular clan tug-of-war, attracts some of the world’s greatest and most-recognizable Heavy Scottish Games competitors, as well as fans and clans of all sizes who cheer the competitors to victory and honor the spirit of friendly competition. For many attending the Games, the weekend serves as a de facto family reunion. The largest single gathering of Scottish clans anywhere in the world, more than 100 clans total gather on MacRae Meadows annually for GMHG, as those visiting the Games comprise a population on between 30,000 and 40,000 people. “The Games is such a family atmosphere,” Taylor explained. “People feel really safe and secure at the Games.” Tickets for GMHG are available by cash upon arrival at the Games, or visitors may purchase them by credit or debit card at the GMHG office in downtown Linville or on site.
At each year’s Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, a number of young people are key contributors to helping the Games operate. From picking up trash around the premises to assisting patrons and guests, students have always been pivotal players in the success of GMHG. In return for their service, a number of local high school students can prove extremely valuable, as these students are eligible for, and often receive, financial scholarships awarded by GMHG. For decades, GMHG has made it a priority to assist high school students in Avery County and vicinity who work or volunteer with the Games assistance through scholarships. According to GMHG General Manager Tommy Taylor, hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarship aid has been awarded over the course of decades, including eight scholarships awarded to deserving high school seniors of the Class of 2016. Taylor added that 100 percent of the recipients each year fall into one or more of three criteria: students themselves who work for the Games, family members of the students working for the Games or the student is part of a civic group or organization. “We strive each year to give anywhere from six to 10 scholarships to high school seniors,” Taylor said. “The scholarship often serves as a motivator for the students to work with us, as they recognize they can earn a scholarship because of their efforts and affiliation with the Games.” Students attending a major college or university receive a $1,000 scholarship renewable for four years, for a total value of $4,000, while students attending a community college receive a $500 scholarship renewable for four years, for a total value of $2,000. Many students who have worked at Grandfather Mountain Highland Games and received scholarships often return to Avery County following school, with a large contingent returning to work and help with the Games they grew to love. “So often, students return to the area to help with the Games and contribute to making them successful,” Taylor explained. “We’ve always viewed the scholarships as a way we can make a tremendous investment in their future. More often than not, those same students return after college and continue to work on the mountain and help invest their time to making the Games the success it is today.”
VARIETY OF GAMES TESTS ATHLETICISM The games of the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games test the competing athletes in feats of strength, agility and skill. The games themselves, the main event, are the centerpiece of this great gathering. Scottish highland games throughout history were a time to gather and compete to determine who was fastest and strongest in a region. Modern-day champions can win those same titles in this collection of games that have been handed down through centuries of Scottish tradition. The caber toss and hammer throw are iconic to the games. Appropriate to the Scots, these sports demand more than the average measure of strength, stamina and sheer determination. As a highland games gathering where world records have been set, the GMHG attracts professional athletes and amateurs alike who are up to the challenge. Athletes can participate in heavy events more traditionally associated with the Games, in addition to light events, such as foot races. Heavy events include the clachneart, or stone throw. The athlete must throw a 16-pound stone without using overhand, underhand or two-handed techniques. In order SEE ATHLETICISM ON PAGE 3
COVER PHOTO BY ROB MOORE SEE GAMES ON PAGE 3
Thursday, July 6, 2017
GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN HIGHLAND GAMES
Mountain Times Publications -
3
PARK IT LADDIE! BY MATT DEBNAM matt.debnam@averyjournal.com
W
PHOTO BY ROB MOORE Amanda Ford, a 33-year-old former Marine door gunner who served two combat missions in Iraq, took on her competition in Scottish athletic events at the 61st Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in 2016 like she was still on active duty, winning all but one event to capture Female Athlete of the Games honors.
ATHLETICISM CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2
to throw the stone a greater distance, athletes will spin to gain centrifugal force before flinging the stone as far as possible. Not only do caber toss participants pick up a 20-foot pole that weighs a daunting 175 pounds, they throw it. Caber toss athletes lift the caber, balance it upright and “turn” it, or flip it to make it fall end over end. In a bygone time when farming was a way of life, sheaf tossing was an everyday chore. A holdover from that time, sheaf tossing is now competition. A pitchfork is used to throw a burlap sack stuffed with straw over a high bar, without touching the bar. As the bar is raised, the athlete who clears the bar at the highest level wins the competition. Similar to the stone throw, the hammer throw requires the athlete to throw a hammer from a standing position. In spite of the hammer weighing 22 pounds, the record distance last year was more than 118 feet. Kilt-clad athletes from lightweight to heavyweight classes will also participate in Scottish Highland wrestling. Light events include the 100-yard dash, long jump, high jump and pole vault. Adults and kids alike can participate in the kilted mile run. A game of stamina, the Grandfather Mountain Marathon has gained the reputation as one of America’s toughest runs and for good reason. The final 13 miles are straight uphill. Starting in Boone and stretching 26.2 miles long, the trek winds up Grandfather Mountain, with runners eventually gaining 1,000 feet in elevation. The going is tough, but according to GMHG, the marathon boasts a 96 percent completion rate. “The Bear” is a five-mile footrace that begins in Linville and climbs to the summit of Grandfather. As the race’s reputation has grown, GMHG is expecting double the number of participants this year. From the athlete to the spectator, the games of the Games offer more than their fair share of challenge and spectacle.
ith an estimated 30,000 people attending the annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games each year, the population of Avery County more than doubles the weekend of the event. With all those people visiting our area, traffic congestion and parking become major challenges for organizers and guests of the games. Fortunately, by following some simple procedures, one can minimize this frustration: • Shuttle buses will be running all weekend from Avery County High School, parking lots along N.C. Hwy. 105 in Linville and Caldwell Community College in Boone. These shuttles run from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., when the last guests have left MacRae Meadows for the day. Cost to ride the shuttle is $5 per person from Avery High and Linville lots and $10 per person from Caldwell Community College. This service is included all 3 days with a special 4-day advance ticket to the Games. For most visitors to the Games, this is the most convenient option. • Public parking on Grandfather Mountain is only available three times during the course of the weekend; after 4 p.m. on Thursday evening for opening ceremonies, all
Parking services for this year’s Grandfather Mountain Highland Games are provided by the Watauga Hunger and Health Coalition and the Avery County Rotary Club.
day Friday and after 5 p.m. on Saturday. Otherwise, the general public is asked to take advantage of the shuttle system. • There is no public parking on Grandfather Mountain during the day on Saturday and all day Sunday. Vehicles on the mountain during this time must display a hang tag, sent via mail to those who have pre-registered. • Clan chieftains, corporate sponsors, directors and staff will typically have assigned parking that is available all weekend. In order to make your parking experience as stress-free as possible, please examine following directions for the day you plan to visit and plan accordingly.
GAMES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2
Parking is available at MacRae Meadows until filled on Thursday and Friday of the Games, while patrons and sponsors only may have parking privileges on the mountain for Saturday and Sunday of the event. Games officials urge patrons to take advantage of the bus shuttle system, where attendees for a small fee can park in Linville and get chauffeured to the Games entrance or a weekend ticket
THURSDAY EVENING Parking on the mountain is open to the general public on Thursday evening for opening ceremonies.
FRIDAY DAY Come and go public parking is available on the mountain on a first-come, first-served basis. Shuttle riders will need to be in line by 5 p.m. to catch the last buses back to their cars.
FRIDAY EVENING Public parking is available on a first-come, firstserved basis after 5 p.m. for the concert on Friday night.
SATURDAY DAY No public parking is available on the mountain during this time. All vehicles must display a
hang tag on the rear-view mirror. Parking is reserved for sponsors, chieftain patrons, highlander patrons, clansman patrons and participants. Guests who ride the shuttle to the mountain on Saturday will need be in line for the buses by 5 p.m.
SATURDAY EVENING Public parking is available on a first-come, firstserved basis after 5 p.m. for the concert on Saturday night.
SUNDAY MORNING Sunday parking arrangements and shuttle services are identical to Saturday day parking except the Avery County High School lot is not used on Sunday.
passes are available to ride a shuttle for the entire weekend for a one-time fee. From the torchlight ceremony on Thursday night to the closing ceremony on Sunday afternoon, GMHG is chock full of events to entertain the entire family. Grandfather Mountain Highland Games is located off Highway 221, two miles north of Linville and one mile south of the Blue Ridge Parkway. For more information on the Games, to purchase tickets, for entertainment information and more, visit the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games website by clicking to www.gmhg.org, or call (828) 733-1333.
GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN HIGHLAND GAMES
4 - Mountain Times Publications
Thursday, July 6, 2017
WHATS NEW THIS YEAR
AT THE GAMES? BY MEAGAN SHAPIRO meagan.shapiro@averyjournal.com
W
hile tradition is heavily rooted into the theme of the Highland Games, that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for changes that enhance the festival experience. One of the most anticipated new features of this year’s GMHG is the addition of the whiskey tasting session. Although beer and spirits are not available for purchase at Games vendors, pre-registered guests will be able to taste a variety of whiskies on Thursday, July 6. The tasting of single malt Scotch whiskey, sponsored by Glenmorangie, is the first of a now-annual event which is held at the Best Western Mountain Lodge in Banner Elk and open to those who buy tickets from the link on the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games website. The Highland Games are also adding six new acts to its already stacked musical
PHOTO BY ROB MOORE Visitors enter the field to witness the opening of the 2016 Grandfather Mountain Highland Games.
,
TICKET PLEASE
Highland Games tickets available in advance, at entrance PHOTO BY ROB MOORE New features are always being added to the Children’s Tent to keep the experiences exciting for the young lads and lasses.
lineup. Along with the staple celtic rock bands from years past, attendees will also be treated to the likes of Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Hass, Andrew Magill and others. Building off last year’s
success, the Children’s Tent will feature a remodeling of last year’s scavenger hunt, with new features added. The regular menu of Scottish favorites and local cuisine will be available for purchase with the addition
of River Dog Coffee and Cafe to the lineup. River Dog will be offering their usual sandwiches, coffee and other items from its menu for those who have been looking for healthier options.
FOR ALL YOUR CAMPING NEEDS
STOP BY OUR BOOTH AT GATE #1 or visit our store at 150 Linville St downtown Newland, NC Valid July 5-11, 2017. Cannot be combined with any other discounts.
828-733-3600
BY BRIAN MILLER brian.miller@mountaintimes.com
C
elebrating its 62nd year, the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games is a long-lived High Country tradition that can’t be missed — but to experience the tradition, a price of admission is required. Guests to the Highland Games have plenty of freedom of choice when it comes to purchasing tickets, with options that allow them to either experience the games in full, from July 6 to 9, or in pieces, by picking and choosing specific days or events to attend. Tickets may be purchased by mail, by phone using a credit card or by using an online order form. Tickets may also be purchased at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games Office in Linville or at the gate upon arrival. Tickets purchased at the gate may be paid for in cash or by credit card. Guests may also use the convenience of purchasing tickets by visiting the GMHG Office in Linville. Advance four-day tickets are $75 for adults and $30 for children (ages 5 to 12), including shuttle bus rides on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from all shuttle bus locations. Advance weekend passes can also be purchased without shuttle bus rides at $55 for adults and $20 for children. Purchased separately, shuttle bus tickets from Avery County High School and Linville are $5 per person. Shuttle bus tickets from Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute’s campus in Boone are $10 per person. Contact the Games office at (828) 733-1333 for full information on shuttle locations, dates and times. Tickets to attend the Torchlight Opening Ceremony are $15 for adults. On Friday, admission to the preliminaries and Friday Night Concert is $20 for adults, or $15 for the concert only. Tickets for the Scottish Dance Gala at Lees McRae College in Banner Elk are $25 for dancers and $10 for spectators. Tickets for the Saturday games and concert are $30 for adults, or $15 for the concert alone. Tickets for the Sunday games are $15. All children’s tickets for individual events are $5. Children younger than age five are admitted free of charge. For more information, click to www.gmhg.org or call (828) 733-1333.
GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN HIGHLAND GAMES
Thursday, July 6, 2017
Mountain Times Publications -
5
GAMES OF THE GAMES Athletic events highlight strength, endurance and speed BY BRIAN MILLER brian.miller@mountaintimes.com
S
cottish athletes don’t need capes, because apparently, kilts give them super strength. Competitors in the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games are among the strongest athletes in the world, as proven by the culturally significant “games” that show off muscular abilities, endurance and a mentality to bring home the gold. Among the many games happening throughout the weekend include track and field events, a marathon and dance competitions, the most highly anticipated activities for spectators is heavy athletics — a type of weightlifting with a focus on explosiveness. The most iconic Scottish heavy athletic event is the caber toss, in which competitors hoist up a long log, balancing it vertically, to then run forward in an attempt to toss it in a way that it turns end-over-end. If successful, the athlete is said to have “turned the caber.” Clachneart, also commonly referred to as “stone put,” is a strength event where
PHOTO BY ROB MOORE Watauga High School graduate Michael Holland won The Bear 5-mile road race at Grandfather Mountain in 2016.
KIRKPATRICK
competitors must toss a 16-pound stone as far as possible. Along similar lines, the 22-pound hammer throw is another length competition, in which athletes swing a metal ball attached to a chain, letting go at the optimum moment to let it sail through the air. As if 22 pounds isn’t impressive enough, the Highland Games also features a weight throw for participants to toss either a 28- or 56-pound weight as far as they can. There is also a 56-pound weight toss for height, however, the most common known Scottish height competition is the sheaf toss. In this event, a 16-pound pile of hay, or sheaf, must be tossed over a high bar without making contact. The final category listed under heavy athletics is Highland wrestling, in which participants sport kilts and go toe-to-toe with other brave competitors. Adults and children alike can participate in wrestling in the division that’s best suited for them. For those who aren’t necessarily athletes of brute strength, there are several other opportunities, starting with running... grueling running that is.
“The Bear” is a running competition where athletes race five miles up Grandfather Mountain, almost entirely uphill, to finish at the Mile-High Swinging Bridge. It is notorious for being one of the toughest races in the region, attracting fierce competitors from throughout the country. During the same weekend, in what may be the only run to top The Bear in degree of difficulty, is the Grandfather Mountain Marathon. An event that has a reputation as “America’s toughest marathon,” this 26.2-mile run starts in Boone and finishes on top of Grandfather Mountain. The course features net elevation gain of 1,000 feet, however, runners who successfully complete the race climb well more than 3,000 feet. To make it even more difficult, the last portion of the race — a distance of 13 miles — is virtually uphill. Additional athletics throughout the weekend include track and field events — featuring short and long dashes, one- and two-mile runs, long jump, high jump, triple jump and pole vault — as well as a Scottish dance competition where participants are judged on interpretations of traditional Scottish dances.
Mountain Construction Mark Kirkpatrick Since 1985 Full custom home building services/Timber Frame and Log set on your foundation for owner contractors and other general contractors.
SU
RE
I
MAK E
Creativity 1345 Poplar Grove Road South, Boone, NC 28607
Please see our website photo gallery for inspiration!
Quality (828) 963-8090
Experience
www.mountainconstruction.com
6 - Mountain Times Publications
GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN HIGHLAND GAMES
Thursday, July 6, 2017
GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN HIGHLAND GAMES
Thursday, July 6, 2017
Mountain Times Publications -
7
CLAN OF EXCELLENCE The Clan of Gordon THOMAS SHERRILL thomas.sherrill@averyjournal.com
T
he village of Gordon, south of Edinburgh in Berwickshire, is the earliest documented Scottish home of the Gordons. Adam Gordon was granted land in Long-Gordon in Berwickshire by Malcolm III, and in 1093 Adam fought with him and died by his side at the Battle of Alnwick. The Border Gordons remained true to the Chief even after the main line relocated to the northeast. During the Second PHOTO COURTESY GMHG SEE GORDON ON PAGE 8
GMHG’s 2016 Clan of Distinction, the Gordon clan, pose at its clan tent at the Games.
CLAN TENT ASSIGNMENTS Anderson Armstrong Baird Bell Boyd (House of) Buchanan Buchanan Burnett Caledonian Soc. Cincinnati Cameron Cameron Campbell Campbell Clanranald Trust Cochrane Colquhoun Council of Scottish Clans Davidson Davidson Donald Donald Donnachaidh Douglas Elliot Ewen Farquharson Farquharson Fergusson Forbes Forrester Fraser Fraser Galbraith Galbraith GMHG Handicapped Tent GMHG Lost and Found Gordon (Scotland) Gordon (USA) Gordon (USA) Graham Graham Gregor/American Society Gregor/American Society Gunn
1-64 1-37 2-11 2-39 2-19 1-05 2-08 1-67 1-14 1-26 2-30 1-04 2-07 2-17 2-48 2-52 X-01 1-59 2-64 1-21 2-25 1-69 2-42 1-48 1-40 1-71 2-83 2-78 2-51 2-76 1-60 2-65 1-07 2-10 1-57 2-01 1-31 1-30 2-35 1-63 2-69 1-06 2-09 1-54
Gunn Hamilton Hamilton Hay Hay Henderson Home Hunter Innes Johnston/e Keith Keith Kerr Kerr Kirkpatrick Kirkpatrick Lamont Leslie Lindsay Logan Losantiville Highlanders Macaulay MacBean MacBean MacCallum/Malcolm MacDougall MacDougall MacDuffee MacDuffee MacFarlane Macfie MacInnes MacInnes MacIntyre Mackay Mackay MacKenzie MacKinnon MacKinnon Mackintosh Mackintosh MacLachlan MacLaine of Lochbuie MacLaine of Lochbuie
2-59 1-22 2-26 1-20 2-24 1-36 1-38 2-73 2-55 1-29 1-23 2-27 1-19 2-23 1-56 2-61 2-46 2-77 2-62 2-74 1-15 2-71 1-45 2-47 2-70 1-09 2-13 1-42 2-44 1-58 1-35 1-43 2-45 2-40 1-24 2-28 2-20 1-03 2-06 1-18 2-22 2-68 1-25 2-29
MacLaren MacLaren MacLean MacLean MacLellan MacLeod (Carolina’s) MacLeod (USA) MacMillan MacMillan MacNab Macnachtan Macneil Macneil MacPherson MacPherson MacRae MacRae MacRae (Cocke) MacTavish MacThomas Maxwell Maxwell McAlister McAlpine Moffat Montreat Scottish Society Montreat Scottish Society Morrison Morrison Munro Munro Murray Napier National Trust for Scotland Pollock Pollock Ramsay/Ramsey Ramsay/Ramsey Rose Ross (America) Ross (America) Ross (United States) St. Andrews Soc. of Carolinas St. Andrews Soc. of Charleston
1-27 2-31 1-08 2-12 1-50 2-57 1-52 1-02 2-05 1-44 2-36 1-55 2-60 1-62 2-67 1-34 2-38 1-33 1-32 1-72 1-66 2-72 2-63 2-79 1-75 1-53 2-58 1-49 2-53 1-51 2-56 1-70 1-65 2-03 1-61 2-66 1-10 2-14 1-01 1-28 2-32 1-13 1-12 2-54
St. Andrews Soc. of N.C. St. Andrews Soc. of N.C. St. Andrews Soc. of Savannah Scotland County HG Scott Scott Scottish District Families Assoc. Scottish Heritage USA Scottish Heritage USA Sinclair, USA Skene Skene Society of William Wallace Stewart Sutherland Thom(p)son Wallace Wallace Wardlaw Wardlaw Young Young Corporate Sponsors/Exhibitors Duncan Soutar Duncan Soutar ETSU Glenmorangie Distillery Highland Outfitters Lees McRae Mountain Times Publications Novel Adventures Scottish Cultural Org. of Triangle Scottish Spinning & Weaving Scottish Spinning & Weaving Scottish Tartans Museum Sheep Dog Tent Tartan Ed. & Cultural Association Tartan Ed. & Cultural Association
1-46 2-49 1-17 X-07 1-39 2-41 1-16 2-02 2-04 2-33 1-47 2-50 2-16 2-34 2-37 2-21 1-68 2-75 1-41 2-43 1-11 2-15 X-10 X-11 X-17 U-3 X-14 X-16 2-01 1-73 X-05 X-12 X-13 X-04 1-74 X-02 X-03
*Note: Clans are not to cook on the field. Also, front row tents are not allowed to have blinds up that restrict the view of the field.
GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN HIGHLAND GAMES
8 - Mountain Times Publications
Thursday, July 6, 2017
NEW AND RETURNING MUSICAL ACTS TO GR ACE HIGHLAND GAMES BY SAVANNAH REES savannah.rees@averyjournal.com
T
raditional and rock sounds will echo through the mountain valleys of Grandfather at the 2017 Highland Games. New and returning musicians will play host this year. The Celtic sounds will be heard throughout the grounds all weekend. People of all ages can enjoy the music as the entertainment for the weekend. A full listing of the bands at this year’s Games is included below: Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Hass are newcomers this year. The musical partnership between Alasdair Fraser, long regarded as Scotland’s premier fiddle ambassador, and the sizzlingly talented young California cellist Natalie Haas may not seem an obvious one. But this seemingly unlikely pairing is the fulfillment of a long-standing musical dream for Fraser, whose cutting-edge musical explorations took him full circle to find a cellist who could help him return the cello to its historical role at the rhythmic heart of Scottish dance music. Another newcomer to the GMHG spotlight is Rathkeltair. Rathkeltair blends compelling and catchy original songs with tight, driving straight-ahead rock and roll, while never forgetting their Celtic roots. The band delivers a heady mix of bagpipe-driven, foot-stomping tunes and original songs, which have been enthralling audiences for many years. Unique in their musicianship and high-energy performances, Rathkeltair is one of the
most respected and entertaining bands in the Celtic music world today. Core members are Nick Watson and Trevor Tanner. Watason, on drums and vocals, was part of the Field Marshall Montgomery Pipe Band (G1 World Champions 1993). Maura Shawn Scanlin will be joining the entertainment for the weekend as a newcomer as well. Maura Shawn Scanlin, born and raised in nearby Boone and currently resides in Boston. Maura is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in classical violin performance at the New England Conservatory of Music. In addition to classical study and involvement, Scanlin enjoys performing and collaborating with other musicians in a variety of musical genres ranging from traditional folk to improvisatory music in the greater Boston area and beyond. Particularly versed in Celtic fiddle music, Scanlin is a two-time U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Champion, and the winner of the Glenfiddich Fiddle Competition. Elias Alexander will be joining the festivities as well. Alexander is swiftly distinguishing himself in traditional music circles as a piper, singer, composer and sometime comedian. Originally from Ashland, Oregon, he graduated from Middlebury College in 2013 with an honors degree in music, moving to Boston to be part of the vibrant traditional music scene there. Andrew Finn Magill will be joining the musical entertainment for the Games as well. Magill is a fiddler/violinist who straddles genres. He has toured the US, Europe, Africa and Brazil and performed with many Irish and Scottish luminaries from John Doyle to
GORDON CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7
Jacobite Rising of 1715, the Viscount of Kenmure, head of the border (Lochinvar) family of Gordon, was the Jacobite commander in southern Scotland until he was defeated at Preston and executed on Tower Hill. Sir Adam, Lord of Gordon, was granted lands in Strathbogie (what is now Huntly) by King Robert the Bruce around 1306 AD. The clan lands extended over much of the northeast of Scotland. The history of the Gordons is unique, and one feature that
BRINKLEY HARDWARE Established 1903
A Store from Days Gone By
We have Bee Keeping Supplies! 828.733.2107 • Downtown Elk Park
the Paul McKenna Band. Traditional singer/songwriter and Edinburgh native Ed Miller returns to this year’s Games with his traditional Scottish folk songs. Over the past 30 years, he has established himself as one of Scotland’s finest exported folksingers and can often be found performing at concerts, Burns suppers and Highland Games across the country. Seven Nations returns to rock the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games again this year. A popular favorite described as roots, folk, dance and fusion-rock, Seven Nations has played everywhere from the Royal Mile to the Olympics, and will bring its rollicking Celtic sound back to the mountain during this year’s Games. Born in Aberdeen, John Taylor started learning fiddle when he was 8 years old. At age 10, he began studying with the late Kim Murray of Elgin. In 1979, John moved to San Jose, Calif. He played for years with the pub band Emerald, but has also had his own bands (The Back Close Band, Twisted Knickers, Hamewith) and has played with many other well-known musicians, notably Ed Miller, Men of Worth and, more recently, Scooter Muse and Jil Chambless, and can be heard playing at Scottish festivals throughout the United States. William Jackson has been at the forefront of Scottish traditional music for nearly 30 years. In addition to his stature as one of the leading harpers and multi-instrumentalists in Scotland, William has gained an international reputation as a composer. Western North Carolina native Hannah
makes it so is the position of the Clan territory, covering much of the counties of Aberdeen, Banff and Moray. Living on the edge of the Highlands, they established a link with Aberdeen, one of the wealthiest trading burghs of Scotland, thereby affording trade and foreign travel unusual for a Highland clan. Because the country was flat enough and rich enough to raise horses, unique among the clans, the Gordon cavalry was a considerable asset. With these advantages of position and resources, it is not surprising that the Gordons played a greater part in the development of Scotland than almost any other clan. The Gordons were exceptionally steadfast in their loyalty to their Chief, known affectionately as the “Cock of the North”. There were no internal disputes such as weakened many other clans, and they were particularly well organized and eager to fight, making the Gordon name synonymous with the history of the nation. The Gordons did not confine themselves to their Clan lands. Many Gordon clansmen served with the Scots Brigadein Holland between 1572-1782; several were in the army of the Tsar of Russia. General Patrick Gordon of Auchleuchries was the boyhood tutor and chief advisor to Tsar Peter the Great, Governor of Moscow, and the highest-ranking officer in Russia of his day. The youngest daughter of the 2nd Marquis, Lady Catherine, married a Polish nobleman and her grandson became King of Poland. Many Gordons
Seng devotes herself to writing songs and playing tunes on her banjo and fiddle in traditional Appalachian old-time and Irish styles. Raven and Red is an award-winning acoustic music duo formed by lead singer/ guitarist Mitchell Lane and fiddler/singer Brittany Jones. Both graduates of the School of Music at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Lane and Jones are well versed in classical repertoire and enjoy combining these techniques in their recordings and live performances. Piper Jones is a celebration of the Highland pipes with the percussive strains of drums and bouzouki, balancing integrity of tradition with playing with a sense of true abandon. Brothers McLeod, David and Michael, are EUSPBA Grade I solo competition bagpipers from upstate South Carolina, and are members of the Atlanta Pipe Band. Marybeth McQueen began learning the Highland pipes at age eight, and has been attending the North American Academy of Piping and Drumming for many years. In 2014 she placed second in the US Scottish fiddle championship and in 2015 won “Best March” in the open level. Flute and guitar duo Chambless and Muse bring their traditional music of Scotland, Ireland and early America to house concerts and festivals throughout the US and Scotland. For more information on the entertainment, such as the schedule, refer to the Games program or click to www.gmhg.org.
have helped to shape the world such as George Gordon, Lord Byron; the 4th Earl of Aberdeen was Prime Minister of Great Britain; the 1st Marquis of Aberdeen was Governor General of Canada and later Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. General Joseph M. Gordon was the main organizer of the Australian Army prior to 1914. Patrick Gordon was the Governor of Pennsylvania from 1726-1736. Bazil Gordon immigrated to Virginia in 1783, grew an import/export business on the Rappahannock near Fredericksburg and was the first millionaire in the USA; and Juliette Gordon Low founded the Girl Scouts of America. The Gordon name is worthy of interest and support. The Clan Society was incorporated in 1961 at Aboyne, Scotland by the Chief, the Marquis of Huntly. The House of Gordon USA was founded in 1965 in alliance with the House of Gordon Scotland to promote Scottish culture, traditions, and the Gordon heritage in the USA. The membership voted in 2006 to re-form as a separate nonprofit organization with the blessing of the Chief, and annually gathers at Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, where it holds its Annual General Meeting. The House sponsors the Charles O. Gordon Memorial Scholarship for Scottish Arts including a standing scholarship for the Grade 4 Junior Piper of the Day at Grandfather Mountain, The Epic Project, Troop Care Packages, The Gordon Highlander’s Museum in Aberdeen, The Gordon DNA Project, and many other worthy works.
Thursday, July 6, 2017
GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN HIGHLAND GAMES
Mountain Times Publications -
9
GAMES CONTINUES RICH SCOTTISH CULTUR AL VILLAGE TR ADITI ON BY SAVANNAH REES savannah.rees@averyjournal.com
T
he Scottish Cultural Village will be back in 2017 with new and returning events. One of the best ways to have a full and exciting experience at the Games is to immerse yourself in the culture. The Scottish Cultural Village allows one to go back in time to participate and view events from Scottish culture. If you attend at least five of the programs at the cultural village you will receive a “Scottish Cultural Village Koozie.” All you have to do is use the program provided at the Games and get it stamped at each program. Programs start Friday and continue through Sunday. The events will be listed at this year’s Highland Games Chieftain’s Tent: Men’s Great Kilt — “So you’re going to wear the great kilt. Here’s how!” Mysteries of the great kilt will be revealed through a wee chat and an entertaining demonstration. Learn why it looks fantastic on all men. Women’s 18th Century Clothing —“What’s that up her petticoat?” Learn about underpinnings to outerwear and how to wear it appropriately. Blue Ridge Brass / Pipes & Drums—The group will be the featured performers at a luncheon concert. They will be presented by Ed Miller, premier Scottish folk singer. He will introduce various musical selections with a brief history and explain why the songs are relevant today. Bring your lunch and enjoy a treat! Scotsman on the Mountain — The famed conservationist and Scotland-born John Muir visited Grandfather Mountain in September 1898. “I couldn’t hold it in and began to jump about and sing and glory in it all,” added Muir. What was Muir so excited about? Join Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation naturalist Amy Renfranz to learn more. The Darien Venture—A Scottish Tragedy? — Darien, a jungle-clad province on the Panamanian isthmus, played a key role in the formation of Britain. The Company of Scotland’s attempt to establish a trading post and colony in the late 17th century incurred massive debts that would become intrinsic to the negotiation of the Act of Union between England and Scotland in 1707. Learn why Darien is synonymous with disaster; often mentioned but never explored; the fate of its inhabitants obscured by infamy and the rainforest. The Viking Invasion of Scotland— Viking depredations had been recorded in the British Isles since the late 8th century and Scandinavian settlement on Scotland’s western seaboard may have begun before the turn of the 9th century. Claims to this region by Norwegian kings date to the turn of the 12th century, when the King of Norway established himself in the Hebrides and the Isle of Mann. Captain Kidd— Captain William Kidd was a Scottish sailor who was tried and executed for piracy after returning from a voyage to the Indian Ocean. Some modern historians deem his piratical reputation unjust, as there is evidence that Kidd acted only as a privateer. Kidd’s fame springs largely from the sensational circumstances of his questioning before the English Parliament and the ensuing trial. Bagpipe Demise, Fiddle Rise —In the mid 1700s the highland bagpipes were labeled a “weapon of war” by the English and their allied rulers in Scotland. Piping was strongly discouraged and often punished, so fiddlers began to imitate and adopt the imperiled pipe tunes. Listen as live musicians reveal the tricks fiddlers use to sound like bagpipes and how fiddlers made pipe music their own. Scottish Cultural Village Experts and Demonstra-
PHOTO BY ROB RANDALL Blue Ridge Brass Band/Montreat Scottish Pipes & Drums at the Scottish Cultural Village performing. The group is led by James Laughridge and is in its fourth decade of providing the dulcet Scottish tones that serve as the soundtrack of the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games.
tors A number of experts and demonstrators will be sharing their knowledge on Scottish Culture through the festival: Blue Ridge Brass / Pipes & Drums– The band was formed in 1985 at the request of the GMHG Board of Directors. Its purpose was to play the anthems for the opening ceremonies of the games and music for the worship service. The band is currently composed of 15 brass players, six pipers and three drummers. They have played all opening ceremonies and worship services for the Games since 1986 and have also performed at the National Cathedral Kirkin’ of the Tartans, The Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts, Arlington National Cemetery and many other churches and highland games around the Southeast. The band is under the direction of James Laughridge, who is also the composer and arranger for the band. Beth Hyland, fiddle, and Tracey Maxwell, cello, perform regionally as the Celtic duo Bonnie Bows. They are also 2/3 of the Celtic trio Belles on Strings (bellesonstrings.com). Classically trained, both musicians are deeply immersed in the Scottish and Irish musical traditions, lured by the music’s beauty and rich cultural heritage. They are based in Winston-Salem. John McKendrick LLB, LLM, MSc, Q.C. is a British lawyer and the Attorney General of the British Overseas Territory of Anguilla. He is Scottish and grew up in the village of Strathblane. He was schooled at Kelvinside Academy in Glasgow and received his further education at the London School of Economics, University of Leuven, and University of Oxford. He was called to the English Bar in 1999, the Scottish Bar in 2008, and the Bar of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in 2013. In 2016 Her Majesty the Queen appointed him Queen’s Counsel, and later that year the Foreign and Commonwealth Office appointed him for a two-year term as the Honourable Attorney General of the Caribbean Island of Anguilla. John Miles is a retired US Marine Officer and former college professor that now delivers lectures on Scottish history and other historical topics. Miles volunteered as a guest history lecturer at the Vermont Veterans’ Home. He served as the 2014 guest speaker at the Wounded Military Heroes Ski Weekend with the adaptive ski program at the Bart Center at Bromley Mountain Ski Resort and spoke to the Vermont Governor’s Veterans Education Committee (GVEC). He also gives historical presentations at multiple assisted living facilities in
South Carolina. Miles is a six-time published author in Marine Corps Gazette, the professional journal of the Marine Corps and has also been published by Scot’s Heritage Magazine in its Spring 2017 edition. Amy Renfranz is the interim Director of Education and Natural Resources for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship. Most recently, Renfranz worked as a resident instructor/ naturalist at the Yellowstone Association Institute. Before moving to the Yellowstone area she worked five years as a National Park Service interpretive ranger on the Blue Ridge Parkway. She has earned certificates from the state of North Carolina as a “Certified Environmental Educator” and the National Association for Interpretation as a “Certified Interpretive Guide.” In 2014, Refranz received her master’s degree in Park, Recreation and Tourism Management. Her published work includes a syndicated column, “Dear Naturalist.” Virginia Watson: Virginia is an award-winning costume designer who has been creating beautiful renaissance and medieval clothing for more than 30 years. After her initial training in pattern-making for clothing, she trained under world famous bootmaker and founder of Merrell Shoes, Randy Merrell. For a number of years she designed and made custom leather boots, handbags and leather garments in Potomac Leather Co., a company she cofounded with her husband, Bill Watson. After many trips to Scotland and England, studying every piece of historical clothing she could find, Virginia found her true calling — making Celtic historical clothing. Twenty years ago, Virginia started another company, Wolfstone Kilt Company. Her latest collection, “The Mists of Time,” is inspired by Scottish and French clothing, circa 1750s and it continues her business mission of “Creating clothing for your romantic journeys through time.” 2016 was a banner year for Virginia and Wolfstone Kilt Co., culminating with an invite to participate as a designer in the 2017 “Dressed to Kilt” kickoff event for New York Fashion Week. The Event Director for the Scottish Cultural Village is Betty Johnson. For more information, comments or ideas for future programs, come by the Village, consult the official Games program or email Johnson at bettyj0415@gmail.com.
THE PLACE WHERE GOOD FRIENDS & GREAT FOOD MEET By The Riverwalk Bridge In Downtown Newland Breakfast Served All Day
Daily Luncheon Specials
Open Daily 8am-2pm CLOSED WEDNESDAY
Great Sandwiches
Homemade Soups
Dinner: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. & Sat, 5pm-9pm Sunday Brunch Buffet: 9am-2pm
RATED
Buy one entrée, and get the second half off!* *Second entree must be of equal or lesser value. Offer valid through 7/31/17. With ad only.
CALL TO ORDER DINNER TO GO FOR THE HIGHLAND GAMES CONCERTS
503 Pineola Street Newland, NC 28657 828.737.0314
GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN HIGHLAND GAMES
10 - Mountain Times Publications
Thursday, July 6, 2017
2017 HIGHLAND GAMES AT A GLANCE
PHOTO BY LUKE BARBER The Highland Games as seen from the top of Grandfather Mountain.
Number of Scottish clans and societies: More than 120 Number of clan tents: 200 Honored clan: House of Gordon 2017 honored guest: Granville Charles Gomer Gordon, Marquis of Huntly 2017 distinguished guests: Donald F. MacDonald, GMHG Co-Founder, John McKendrick and Viscount Dunrossil Ambassador of the Games: Tommy Burleson, Avery County native and 1974 NCAA collegiate champion who excelled in basketball at high school, college and professional levels. 2016 Clan Tent Award: Clan Leslie Clan of Excellence (2016 Games): Clan Maclaren Corporate sponsors: • Avery Journal-Times and Mountain Times Publications • High Country Radio • Ardbeg Distillery • New York Caledonian Club • Glenmorangie Distillery • High Country Brewing • Duncan Soutar • Lowe’s • Coca-Cola • Thistle School Scottish Country Dance
PHOTO BY ROB MOORE The North Carolina State University Pipes and Drums perform at the 2016 Grandfather Mountain Highland Games.
Nonprofit organizations and services provided: • Crossnore Volunteer Fire Department — shuttle bus service • Avery High School — parking • Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute — parking • APPALCart — shuttle bus service • Avery County Rotary Club and Watauga Hunger and Health Coalition — parking, concessions and first aid • Newland Volunteer Fire Department — first responder • Banner Elk Kiwanis — program sales • Linville Volunteer Fire Department — firewood and ice sales • Appalachian State University — track and field equipment Featured highland bagpipe bands in 2017: • Grandfather Mountain Highlanders (host band) • Jamestown Pipes and Drums • The Loch Norman Pipe Band • North Carolina State University Pipes and Drums • Blue Ridge Brass and Pipes/Montreat Scottish Pipes and Drums Featured musical performers in 2017: • Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas
PHOTO BY ROB MOORE Pictured from left are Donald MacLaren of MacLaren and Achleskine, Chief of Clan MacLaren (Guest of Honor), Andrew Maule Dewar Durie of Durie (distinguished guest) and GMHG President Sandy Jones as they survey the field at the 61st Annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Maura Shawn Scanlin Ed Miller Seven Nations Elias Alexander Rathkeltair John Taylor Raven and Red Hannah Seng Marybeth McQueen William Jackson Brothers McLeod Finn Magill Chambless and Muse Piper Jones Band
TAKE A BITE OUT OF THE MOTHER COUNTRY BY MEAGAN SHAPIRO meagan.shapiro@averyjournal.com
W
hether you’re looking for some shortbread or traditional Scottish haggis, Grandfather Mountain Highland Games is equipped to meet all your cravings. Scotland’s most famous dish is Haggis, and plenty will be on hand for those wanting to try something new. The dish is a pudding-like dish made from sheep innards and is a sta-
ple among Scottish cuisine. Among the “go-to” locations for Scottish favorites are mainstays Cameron’s British Foods and Asheville-based Scottish Cottage. They’ll be serving up haggis, Scotch eggs, and other hearty options all weekend long. For those who would rather enjoy more local fare, local vendors will also be at your service. Local food vendors for 2017 include Avery County Dancers Flavored Ice, Crossnore Volunteer Fire Department and Carolina BBQ. River
Dog Coffee and Cafe will also be making their vendor debut, as all locations will be serving up typical festival fair and Carolina classics. If you’re looking for something sweet alongside the festivities, House of Douglas Bakery will be onsite offering a variety of savory desserts. A and Y Concessions, Mookie’s Marvelous Kettle Korn, and Ferguson’s Homemade Ice Cream will also be there. All sites are highly recommended for funnel cakes, ice cream and other surgery items you can imagine.
PHOTO SUBMITTED Haggis is the most famous traditional dish at the Highland Games. Grab a sample at the Scottish Cottage tent.
Thursday, July 6, 2017
GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN HIGHLAND GAMES
Mountain Times Publications -
Whether it ’s just the two of you or the whole clan, Foscoe Rentals has something for everyone. From hot tubs, pool tables, and views to pet-friendly homes, let us help you enjoy the High Country!
Cabin, Condos, and Vacation Homes. 1.800.723.7341 / 828.963.8142 www.FoscoeRentals.com
Less than 15 Minutes from Grandfather Mountain!
11
12 - Mountain Times Publications
GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN HIGHLAND GAMES
Thursday, July 6, 2017