The hundred and fifty third

Annual Gathering of the GLENISLA HIGHLAND AND FRIENDLY SOCIETY

Friday 23rd August 2024

Games commence at 12.30 p.m. Dancing at 2.00 p.m. Free parking. Entrance £7 per adult, under 14s are free!

 

 

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Matt Ralston's welcome to the 149th Games in 2018

It is with great pleasure that I extend a very warm welcome to our traditional Highland Games - where tests of strengths and musical ability show true Scottish history and culture.

When my wife and I first came to Glenisla some 37 years ago we noticed a small advert in the local paper advertising the Glenisla Highland and Friendly Society and so was born our interest in this wonderful event. Back then the secretary/treasurer was the late great Jim Grewar whose strong principles and good foundations laid down an excellent basis for a memorable event and so it has continued.

Many folk come from all over the world to take part in the piping, dancing and heavy events and many folk come who have lived or worked in the Glen because they are drawn back to, and have an allegiance with the area - perhaps their ancestors were born here. Whatever the reason it is not just about showing who is the strongest, fittest and best rehearsed it's about the keeping alive of a tradition, a culture and a community spirit.

We are indebted to the office bearers and committee for their dedication to the maintenance of the field and equipment as well as keeping abreast of all the safety precautions now required. Special thanks are due to the Gammell family for their continued support in providing this beautiful Haugh beside the River Isla.

May the sun shine today on all locals, competitors and visitors and may this be a day you will remember.
Matt Ralston

For the preservation of the Language, Music, Games and Dress of the Highlands of Scotland.

 

 

Please remember, we are cash only, card payment is not available in the Games Haugh.

 

Glenisla Highland and Friendly Society saw in its 151st Games in fine style on Friday, after a three year absence from the glen's busy calendar. The Games are held around the third Friday of August annually. It's a very traditional affair amid the natural amphitheatre of the Games Haugh, hosting a Highland Welcome to all who come up the glen or across the world for a day of heavy events, dancing, piping, children's races and of course the Hill Race up the precipitous sides of Creag an Fhithich towering above the Haugh.

 

This year saw the Games 10th new secretary Marlyn McInnes undertake her first Games with great success. She was ably assisted by her committee as well as her predecessor Katy Blair who held the role from 2016. Katy was presented with an inscribed quaich in grateful thanks from the committee for her efforts. The new secretary was presented with the 1884 sword of office.


The field saw a great increase in competitors across all the events which greatly entertained a bumper local and international crowd to give a great return of the Glenisla Games.

 

We hope to welcome you and your friends to the 152nd Games on the 18th August 2023.

 

 

..................................... GAMES NEWS....................................

 

Hill Race
One race with prizes for first 3 male, first 3 female and first 3 under 14 (under 14 may win adult prizes also)

  • Enter at your own risk
  • Attach number to clothing where can be easily seen
  • Numbers must be returned to the hut in person to ensure you have come off the hill safely
  • Be aware of the main road crossing to the hill race start and return to the hut
  • Presentation will be done on the field following the race

 

Dancing

Please be aware while we will do our very best to accommodate everyone space is limited please consider carefully the size of tent which you bring.


Registration on the day, however if you are bring a big group please feel free to contact the secretary beforehand.


Dancing starts at 2pm.

Premier dancers only.


There are 3 age sections.


Under 12 (not had 12th birthday on day of Games)
Dances-highland Flings, Sword, Seann Triubhas Strathspay & Reel and sailors hornpipe.


Under 16 (not had 16th birthday on day of Games)
Dances-highland Flings, Sword, Seann Triubhas Strathspay & Reel, and Reel and sailors hornpipe.


Over 16 Dancing- highland Flings, Sword, Seann Triubhas Strathspay & Reel, Sailors hornpipe and Irish Jig
.

 

Appropriate costumes should be worn for all dances
Number of steps for example 4 or 6 will be decided on the day by the judge depending on numbers.

 

Heavies

All competitors register on the field with chief steward
Min age 14 years old with any under 18 section.

 

We would love to use your pictures...

We’re so busy every year running a lively and exciting Highland Games that we never have any pictures of the event! We would love to include your images in the programme for next year - along with accreditation. Your image may even end up on the front cover.

About Glenisla

Glenisla is the most westerly of the Angus Glens, and the only one that may be driven as a through route. Its rich history includes links to the Cateran raids, illicit whisky distilling and the clan troubles between the Farquarsons and McCombies.