Abernethy Highland Games Association
Nethy Bridge
Inverness-shire
PH25 3DA
Scotland

Enquiries to Games convenor

Everyone in Nethy Bridge is looking forward to the 2013 Abernethy Highland Games

This year the Abernethy Highland Games and Clan Grant Gathering will take place on Saturday 10th August, when once again, Nethy Bridge will resound to the thrilling sound of the pipes and drums especially in the Massed Pipes and Drums march.

The 2012 Abernethy Highland Games were highly successful with over 3,000 people attending in good weather. Many visitors commented on the welcoming and happy atmosphere around the field where more records were broken. The quality of the competition, and the enthusiasm of the spectators and competitors alike, made it a memorable day.

We are now well ahead with plans for The Games in August of this year. Competitors will soon be able to download the 2013 application forms from the links above. There are also links to the full results of all the competitions from 2012.

As well as a fair ground with rides and bouncy castle, there will be many stands selling all manner of souvenirs, clothing and accessories. With the accent on quality, we will have locally made ice-cream, good quality coffee, food stalls and fish and chips - and of course a Beer Tent. And MUCH more!

If you missed last year, do come along this year - maybe take the historic rail trip from Aviemore on the Strathspey Steam Railway and then the free bus from Broomhill Station to the Games Field. There is an extra train later than usual to take you back to Aviemore. Maybe put the date in your diary now to make sure you don't miss out on a full day of fun and entertainment - Saturday 10th August.

See Games Report and Results:

Our Twins in New Zealand - Turakina Highland Games
Turakina is a small village in the western Rangitiki district of New Zealand, midway between Wanganui and Palmerston North. The Maori explorer Hau named Turakina on his journey south when he felled a log to cross the river [from "Turaki" - to fell]. The first European settlers arrived from Scotland by ships into Wellington and later walked 150km up the beaches to Turakina, following the land purchase negotiated by Sir Donald McLean, from the Ngati Apa people in 1849. At its peak in the late 1880's, Turakina and the surrounding area boasted 3 churches, several schools, businesses, industries, 2 railway stations, 4 hotels and an illicit whisky distillery. At that period it was a prosperous and busy township and the Annual Highland Games was established in 1864. They are New Zealand's oldest on-land sporting event.

A committee member of the Abernethy Highland Games, who lived his youth in the district, visited the Turakina Highland Games in 2004. He was warmly welcomed and subsequently it was agreed that 2 of the oldest Games, 125 and 140 years respectively, located at opposite ends of the world, would twin.

The next Turakina Highland Games will take place on Saturday 25 January 2014. www.turakinahighlandgames.co.nz

Another Southern Hemisphere Highland Games we have made connections with through last year's Games Chieftan, Jim McEwan, is in Australia - The Bundanoon Highland Gathering. Do have a look at their very interesting site www.brigadoon.net.au which records the different way they conduct their Games and when Bundannon becomes Brigadoon for the day!

Abernethy Highland Games
11 August 2012

Raffle prizes:

1. Family day ticket from Landmark Forest Adventure Park

2. BBQ special from Mike Mustard, butcher, Nethy Bridge

3. Calendar and cards from James Gordon, local photographer

4. Limited edition print by Justin Prigmore from the RSPB

5. Harris Tweed gift

6. Bottel of Balmenach whisky

7. Bottle of 10 year-old dramming whisky - J & G GRant distillers

8. Bottle of 12 year old single malt from Tomatin Distillery

9. £100 Andersons Restaurant voucher

10. Cairngorm Brewery selection

11. Family Funicular 'Walk @ The Top' Ticket

12. Bottle of 15 year old Single Malt from Dalwhinnie Disillery

13. Bottle of Glen Grant Single Malt

Congratulations to the Winners!

The Abernethy Games Committee would like to record their thanks to the aforementioned organisations for generously contributing these prizes in support of the Games.