The Lonach Highlanders march to the Games Field in Strathdon. XPE 3640-352


The Lonach Gathering (Highland Games) traditionally is held on the fourth Saturday in August. The Lonach Highland and Friendly Society was founded to commemorate the majority of John Forbes, son of the first baronet. The society was founded in 1822 at a gathering of the tennatry on the estate of Newe and Edinglassie to erect a cairn on the Lonach Hill in commemoration of the coming of age of John, eldest son of Sir Charles Forbes. Around the cairn - with much drinking of healths - the tenants gathered to found a society for the further commemoration of the same event. The principal aims of the Society are the preservation of Highland Dress, and as far as can be of the Celtic Language; to support of loyal peaceable manly conduct, and the promotion of social and benevolent feelings among the inhabitants of this district, for which purpose it was further agreed to open a fund for distressed members and their families. Nowhere else will you see the March of the Clansmen. The Men of Lonach, in full Highland dress and armed with pikes and Lochaber battleaxes, march around the arena, having already accomplished a long march early in the morning round the homes of the patrons of the Gathering. At Lonach, the games are supported by leading athletes, pipers and dancers who take part in traditional events in heavy and light athletics, and piping and dancing competitions. This is a friendly and warm gathering of the clansmen and friends, whose enthusiasm and unexcelled genius make the games an outstanding success.


Size: 5288px × 3512px
Location: Strathdon, Aberdeenshire. Grampian Region. Scotland. United Kingdom.
Photo credit: © David Gowans / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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