The Upper Hunter will this year celebrate the 25th Aberdeen Highland Games, an event that for a quarter of a century has been bringing the best of Scotland to the region for locals to enjoy.
Jefferson Park will come alive with the sounds of pipes and drums on Saturday July 6, enticing everyone to join in with the celebrations.
Committee president Nicola O’Driscoll has announced that The Chief of the Day this year is Dr Cameron Collins BVSc MANZCVS MRCVS GAICD, a partner at Scone Equine Hospital who has a passion for all things Scottish in no small part thanks to his heritage via his grandmother on his mothers side, Opal Vida McDowall.
Dr Collins will officially open the event at 9am during the opening ceremony, which will include the Massed Band.
From 10.30am there will be a range of entertainment including Highland and Scottish Country Dancers, master Scottish fiddler Chris Duncan, Federation Guard Precision Drill Team, Kilted Warrior and band displays.
There will be the popular best dressed lassie, laddie and pets competition and a range of novelty events and activities during the day.
Along with a variety of market stalls there will be Clan stalls with members on had to help those with an interest in Scottish history track their ancestry.
The closing ceremony at 3.30pm will include a presentation of trophies, Massed Band and the Lone Piper.
Other events in the Highland Games calendar include the Hills District Pipe Band attending members and their guests at Muswellbrook RSL Club on Friday July 5, the Quintet Competition at Aberdeen Ex-Servicemen’s Club on Saturday July 6, and the Kirkin’ of the Tartan Service from 10.30am on Sunday July 7.
To purchase tickets or for further information on the program visit the website, aberdeenhighlandgames.com.