Braemar Games

 

Serpentine lines of traffic funnelled into the village of Braemar, coaches and cars carrying folks eager to experience the annual Braemar Highland Gathering. Nearly two hours after leaving Banchory, delayed by the traffic, our coach full of our Ukrainian friends parked and we headed into the venue. Surrounded by hills of heather, the field looked spectacular in the late summer sunshine.

The announcer kept up a running commentary of the various events on the field, from running heats, to Highland dancing competitions, to caber tossing and tug-of-war. We found a space on a hillock and settled down to watch, finding the passing visitors as interesting as the action on the field.

All around, pipers warmed their pipes, practicing their pieces for the various parades of pipe bands which punctuated the day. This is the place to enjoy the bagpipes in all their glory.

Precisely at 3 pm, cars carrying the King and Queen and others in their party arrived from Balmoral, circled the arena and the royal party settled into their seats to watch some events. After the band of the Royal Marines, and the massed pipe bands, they were taken back to their castle and the crowds began to disperse.

Over the many years I’ve been here, I’ve been to the Braemar gathering several times. Yesterday’s visit was memorable and special. We were blessed by the warm sunshine, and delighted to be with the Ukrainians as they experienced a full immersion into Scottish tradition and culture.

It offered a distraction from the tragedy engulfing their nation, a tragedy which threatens us all. May God pour out his blessings on Ukraine, restoring peace and bringing reconciliation and hope to that beleaguered nation, a nation, like Scotland, rich in traditions of costume, music and dancing.

Come, Lord Jesus, Prince of peace.