Highland Games
In Dufftown
Many years ago competitions were held for entertainment as there was little to be had in this line. However, they also provided the Clan Chieftains the opportunity to find the best runners to act as messengers, strong men to act as bodyguards and the best musicians and dancers for entertainment. Wrestling, running, swordsmanship, music and dancing would have been the main competitions. They would have been attended by the local people and this formed the basis of the Games as we know them. The Chieftain was responsible for the well being of his people by attending to such things as safety, shelter and food.
When Auchindoun Castle, three miles away, was inhabited, competitions such as above would have been held on the flat land below the castle by the River Fiddich and similarly near Balvenie Castle on land to the North. Both castles are now ruinous and many of the stones have been used for other purposes but Auchindoun suffered badly from army training during the second world war.
As the power of the Clans diminished many of the competitions died out. Others took the form of outings or picnics attended by whole families as it was the only day off in perhaps a whole year except for Christmas. In the Dufftown area such outings became known as Gatherings because of the gathering together of the people. Gatherings were held on the banks of the River Dullan near Mortlach Church, itself dating from ancient times, where King Malcolm fought the Danes and won.
It would have been appropriate to call this the Dullanside Gathering, however, we find that the Fiddich and Dullanside Gatherings, taking the names of the two rivers, Fiddich and Dullan, was moved to a field near the Fiddich in 1892, the programme becoming more of the traditional type we have today.
In 1892 it was reported that 600 people attended the Gathering, a surprising number because transport was almost non-existent. Entry was sixpence in old money or the equivalent of two and a half pence today and threepence in old money for a child. The name Gathering was eventually dropped for "Dufftown Highland Games".
Dufftown still has a Chieftain who welcomes everyone and opens the Games.
Competitions at Dufftown Highland Games nowadays feature the heavy events, making use of hammers, shot, weights for distance and height and caber also the light events comprising racing and jumping. There is one of the best, hardest and strongly competed hill races in Scotland and highland dancing is a major attraction. Dufftown caters also for children with a variety of straight and novelty races.
The Dufftown Games is known as a Massed Band Event. While some Games feature only two or three pipe bands, sometimes only one, Dufftown goes to great expense to provide several bands together, thuis creating a display that stirs memories for a long time. People have been seen with tears in their eyes because of the absolute pleasure of this tremendous display.
Dufftown was the first to have a race for overseas visitors. The race, round the track, attracts competitors from all over the world and the best male and female receive a handsome trophy as a reminder of their achievement.
Also found at Dufftown are many attractive side-stalls, a refreshment tent for afternoon teas and a beer tent.
Additional attractions take place, usually inpromtu. Dufftown runs a full Highland Games Programme and is a professional event.
All the work for Dufftown is done voluntary by a hard working Committee and some of the members have travelled abroad, even to Moscow and Saint Petersburg to introduce Highland Games to promote Scottish Culture.
During the evening the pipe bands display in The Square from 6pm.and this is followed by a Ceilidh and a Dance in the Royal British Legion and Commercial Hotel respectively. For these events it is wise to book beforehand but it is not necessary to book for the Games although bus parties are advised to get in touch with the Secretary beforehand as we can offer them a reduced rate for admission.
One can have the best of two worlds at Dufftown Games which presents a full traditional programme coupled with massed bands and you can get close to the bands at the games and whilst they beat the retreat.
Everything is done to make the day an enjoyable one for all concerned.