'Delight' at successful family-friendly Cabrach Picnic and Games
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A BUMPER crowd of 500 were welcomed to Cabrach Picnic and Games on Sunday, July 30, more than double the number that attended last year's event.
The games are a family-friendly version of the Highland Games and were relaunched by the Cabrach Trust last year after a 70-year hiatus.
Children were able to participate in a series of classic events at the games including caber-tossing, hammer-throwing and sack races led by chair of the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association, Charlie Murray.
The main event of the games was the adults’ tug-of-war, where Upper Cabrach, led by the trust’s CEO Jonathan Christie, came out triumphant against Lower Cabrach.
Speaking about the event, Mr Christie said: “A turnout of 500 people of all ages from across the north-east is a reflection of the great spectacle and interactive opportunities on offer at our family friendly Cabrach Picnic and Games.
“We were delighted at the competitiveness of the tug-of-war that ignited a healthy rivalry between the Upper and Lower Cabrach teams.”
Prolific writer and expert on the history of The Cabrach games, Michael Kidd was the guest of honour at the games this year.
There was also free entry to kids’ nature walks, an exhibition of scarves by the primary two class at Mortlach Primary School, and a new arena which held the games field and a performance stage for dancers and musicians.
Pipe Major Ian Stuart (Huntly) composed and performed a piece especially for the event entitled The Cabrach Picnic.
This accompanied performances from Huntly’s Alison Gordon School of Dance, the Huntly Pipe Band, and mother and daughter duo Bronagh and Alison Gillies (Dufftown).
Visitors also had the chance to learn more about The Cabrach Trust and how to become a member.
Mr Christie added: “Long-term, we’re looking to build on the success of this event each year and ensure that people can come and enjoy a good day out with their family.”
