The Invercharron Gathering and the unique Kenny's Games
Third part of the History of Highland Games in and around the Kyle of Sutherland area written by Alasdair MacDonald.
A New England lumberjacks' 'invasion'
355 hard-working lumbermen from the United States (250 expert wood workers, besides engineers, sawmillers, carpenters, blacksmiths, clerks, timekeepers, cooks, waiters, other support personnel... and one pet black bear!) arrived in Ardgay in July 1917 with a 12-month contract.
History of farming in Ardgay
Farming has evolved immensely in the last 200 years. Sheaves, stooks, ricks and manual threshing were gradually improved and finally replaced by the modern combine harvester. The following photos show the evolution of grain harvesting at some of the local farms.
Victorian-era Highland Games
Highland Games Historian Alasdair MacDonald continues his exploration into the rich history of Highland Games in and around the Kyle of Sutherland area.
The day the flood swept away the first Bonar Bridge
On the 29th January 1892, Gledfield Headteacher (George G. Macleod) wrote: “Attendance much improved for the first four days of the week, but on Friday an extraordinary flooding of the roads caused by rapid thawing reduced the attendance to 54 pupils. Bonar Bridge was swept away by the flood this
An 80th Anniversary reflection
Eight decades after VE and VJ Day, Valerie Mackenzie-Harris reflects on her late husband Major S.L.M. Harris’ decorated wartime service and her own childhood memory.
By Valerie Mackenzie-Harris
Eighty years ago, on VE Day (8th May 1945) my late husband S.L.M. Harris D.S.
History of the Highland Games
Alasdair MacDonald, Historian for the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association, explores the rich history of Highland Games in and around the Kyle of Sutherland area.
By Alasdair MacDonald
The Oxford Dictionary gives ‘Highland Games’ the following meaning: Highland Games noun [plural] - A Scottish event with traditional sports, dancing, and music.