'Ultimate Scottish event' back for second year

Bermuda’s second Highland Games is to be held in June – with international colour provided by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Pipe Band.

And Ian Hind, one of the organisers of this year’s event, predicted it would be bigger and better than the inaugural Highland Games staged last year.

The Highland Games is being run by the Caledonian Society of Bermuda, with the Bermuda Islands Pipe Band and Highland dancers, supported by the Bermuda Regiment, whose band will also perform at the Games.

Mr Hind said the event – which has moved from Sandys to the Saltus playing fields in Pembroke due to a need for more space – would include top Highland dancers from overseas for the first time.

He added: “This is very much a family event and there will be contests in which members of the public will be invited to participate.”

Contests include a 50m dash for adults and children and a “kilted dash” for those wearing traditional Highland costume.

Caledonian Society president Scott Devine added: “The society has worked long and hard to promote all things Scottish in Bermuda and the Highland Games is the ultimate Scottish event.

“We look forward to welcoming the entire island to Saltus Field to sample traditional Scottish food and games.”

Competitive events include tossing the caber, tug o’ war, and Highland dancing competitions, alongside musical performances.”

He added: “The day is shaping up to be a great spectacle and lots of fun for the entire family. We hope people will come out and enjoy a great day of fun, games and all things Scottish.”

The Highland Games will be held on Saturday, June 15, starting at 2.30pm.

Admission will cost just $5 per adult and children under 12 get in free.

More information at www.caledoniansocietyofbermuda.com. Anyone interested in sponsoring the event or buying corporate hospitality passes should contact event planner Elizabeth Ward at Executive Choice Bermuda at [email protected] or call 704 0631.