Braemar Highland Games

The next piping competition on the list was the Braemar Highland Games which is probably recognised as the largest games held in Scotland and attracts attendees from all over the world. This is mostly because of the long history and the fact it is patronised and attended by Royalty.

After being escorted into a competitors car park, the two boards Maggie was playing on were found, one being located on a hillside!

Maggie competed in 2/4 March, Strathspey/Reel and Piobaireachd. It was a fairly cold day so keeping the hands warm were a must.

Maggie played some good tunes and ended up with enough points to come away with Overall Junior Piping Champion.

After she finished we had a wander around, had a listen to the Senior boards and a chat with a few of the senior pipers. We did try to view the plaque where the former Gold Medal Winners names are recorded including such kiwis as Donald Bain, John Hanning, Murray Henderson Richard Hawke and Greg Wilson but there was a private function in this location so it wasn't possible.

We managed to access our seats in the stands just in time to get a pretty good view of the Royals arriving and getting out of the car. All a bit of a blink but there is a first time for everything.

We were smart enough to escape the venue quickly to avoid the screeds of traffic and we headed 50 mins down the road to Blairgowrie for the evening.

We stayed in some gorgeous accommodation on a Berry Farm. Very comfortable and extremely well styled in Delwyn's opinion.