NEWS LETTER
Cultural Visit to Saint Petersburg
People connected with the Dufftown Games have organised and taken part in games in many foreign parts. The following is an account of a visit to Saint Petersburg. Getting help to promote Scotland abroad is an appalling and absurdly difficult task, once in place however, there is no problem. Scottish Highland Games fall into this category and are held in many Countries but, until a few years ago, there was none in Russia and the recent trip to Saint Petersburg by a Cultural Group from the North East, by the original organisers, Jim Murray and Alan Sim, was deemed an outstanding success by both Scots and Russians alike. The group, comprising twenty-five Highland Dancers, the Lonach Pipe Band, four Heavy Athletes, a Music Group of Traditional Scottish Musicians and Folk Group and TV singing and recording star Moira Kerr. Writer Di Francis gave well attended lectures on such things as Scottish Tartans. The event was associated with the Caledonian Club of Saint Petersburg. The five day trip included a lot of hard work. Saint Petersburg is a beautiful City of some six million inhabitants and long distances were covered to perform for schools and orphanages. Concerts were given in Palaces and Clubs nearer to hand. A football match against Saint Petersburg attracted ten thousand people and the Scots were unlucky to lose by three goals to two. Describing the enthusiastic atmosphere with which performances were greeted is very difficult, save it to say that in one restaurant built to accommodate perhaps 150 people there must have been over 500 present. Folk were supported on each other's shoulders, they elbowed between closely assembled pipers and drummers to stand absolutely enthralled. People danced in closely confined spaces to the music and applause could only be likened to that of a large pop concert for music can speak where tongues can not. Saturday's Highland Games on the grounds of Peter and Paul's Fortress was the best of any of the five games so far in Russia and even here the audience invaded the arena to get close. They wanted to take part, to dance, to be photographed with the Scots. To give and receive some keepsake, however small. Some time was allowed for sight seeing and the group visited such places as the Palace known as the Hermitage, the Ballet, the beautiful Palace at Peterhof which the Germans destroyed by fire and guns as they were driven out but now rebuilt. To return from Peterhof the group had a thrilling trip by hovercraft and at this stage a highlight of a different sort came about as Dufftown Chieftain, Robin MacLennan, fully dressed as Chieftain, went missing. Jim Murray was about to hit the panic button when he turned up, having been on busses and metro, guided on the latter stage by two young English speaking girls and all the way being a target for any-one who could hold up a camera. On the way to the airport a stop was made at the large memorial which, acting as a museum, had the effect with its visual aids of lifting one back through the years to produce the feeling of being present during that dreadful 900 day siege in the second world war, the longest in history. The games was mainly sponsored by Walkers Shortbread and very much appreciated also was the fifty Walkers teddy bears given to youngsters. Over the years, with two events in Moscow and three in Saint Petersburg, the group has tried to support industry including the non-participating Scottish Tourist Board. Everyone is struck that more of Scottish Industry does not seize the opportunity of the annual event to promote themselves and also help the Russian people as Walkers do. It is now obvious that, whilst Russia cautiously opened up several years ago, it is becoming even more possible to trade. In about two years time much bigger international business is going to come about and those who are holding back are going to be the ones in disarray.
Whilst memories fade as they often do, the friendship and appreciation of the Russian people has a lasting effect. In the words of some, "Thank-you. It is not as hearing on radio or seeing on television, they are actually here!".