A Chieftain is appointed for every Gathering. While the role is nowadays an honorary one, originally, some of the events which now comprise a Gathering would be organised to determine positions in the Chieftain’s Clan.  For example the winners of each event, now known as the Heavy Events were offered positions in the clan army.  This would have been a great honour to the individual who would then enjoy a much better standard of living. A hill run was also arranged to find the fastest men available to run with messages across the wild and mountainous Highland countryside, either in battles, or for peaceful reasons.

Some of the Highland dances are very old and go back to ancient rites in celebration of marriage, fertility, victory or defeat, joy for the living or lament for the dead. The male dances show a definite leaning towards the warlike, with dirks and swords playing a prominent part. Of course the most famous dance is the Sword Dance or the Gillie Callum. This could well be the oldest of the Scottish dances, performed centuries ago on the eve of battle as a means of relieving tension, exhibiting self-control, and seeking an omen for the forthcoming battle. Dislodging the sword during the dance was considered  a bad omen though nowadays this slip of footwork will only see you eliminated from competition.

Our First Gathering Was On Saturday 22nd June 1985