It’s time to dust out your kilts and head for the Fort Nottingham Highland Games in the beautiful KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. If you are into bagpipes, marching bands, food, dancing dogs, medieval fights, vintage cars and a lot of Scottish whiskey - the Nottingham Highlands Gathering is the place to be.

The event will be held at Fort Nottingham Museum, on Wednesday August 9 from 8.30am until 4.30pm when the quiet and sleepy hamlet of scenic Fort Nottingham will come alive with the festivities of the annual gathering.

Inspired by the world famous Braemar Gathering, the Fort Nottingham Highland Gathering is typically, a day of nostalgia, Scottish heritage and ancient tradition. All the rousing spectacle, athletic prowess and hauntingly beautiful music will be celebrated, with a contemporary family-friendly local twist. It will be held on Women’s Day and there will be a special focus on women participants.

The core of the gathering is as always, the various Highland Games showcasing brute strength and stamina of men and women. Look out for the tossing the caber; tug-o’-war, walk the weight, the kilted mile; hammer throw; weight over the bar and stone put games that will showcase the strength of the men and women as they compete in these challenging games.

This year, the public are welcome to join in the Kilted Mile taking place at 10.30am – a mixed terrain run literally up a hill (and down again) for one mile (about 1.6km). The wearing of kilts is encouraged, but not compulsory. Runners can sign up on the day to join in. Numbers are limited, and tickets cost R100 to participate in the race, with all monies raised going to support local charities. The first 40 participants in all categories receive a medal. The route is strewn with rocks, so good, sturdy shoes are essential.

Competitive athleticism is complemented by the grace and precision of Celtic dancing, piped bands and the rousing bag pipes. The Pietermaritzburg and the Durban Caledonian Society pipe bands will be entertaining the crowds. Each band will do a stage show and a field marching display, and they will perform as a massed band for the opening ceremony.

The fabulous Dundee Die Hards will show off their marching and performing skills. There will also be a sword fighting display and an entertaining and delightful troupe of dancing dogs.

Book through Quicket.

Fort Highlands Games in the beautiful KwaZulu-Natal Midlands

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Highland Games celebrate ancient culture, tradition