High time for Highland Games

It has been more than three decades since the Scots began taking over a piece of local land once each summer. Next Sunday (Aug. 3), the Montreal Highland Games Scottish Festival will return to the George Springate Sports Centre for a full day of demonstrations, celebrations, and competitions.

An expected 10,000 to 12,000 will become Scottish for a day as they listen to over 800 pipers and drummers playing in the massed bands. Attendees will also get a chance to taste haggis while they witness heavy athletic events like the caber toss and the sheaf toss.

For those willing to show up early, solo Highland dancing, piping, and drumming competitions begin at 8:30 a.m. The main events will begin with the opening ceremonies at 12:30 p.m., which will include the firing of the cannon and the 78th Fraser Highlanders.

The afternoon will be filled with bands, dancing, and athletic competitions, lasting until the official closing ceremonies at about 5:30 p.m.

"There are more bands than last year. Every year we try to add new things," said Kirk Johnstone, president of the Montreal Highland Games.

In addition to the usual Highland festivities, spectators can expect to see medieval characters from The Barony of L’Ile du Dragon Dormant make an appearance.

"They come out in chain mail and battle axes," said Johnstone. Hailing from the Society for Creative Anachronism, the characters will be enacting life and fighting techniques from the Brave Heart era.

Although a beer tent will be open all day, and a shuttle will go back and forth between the Pierrefonds site and Hurley’s Pub downtown on Crescent Street, the games are usually a very family-oriented atmosphere. "It's definitely more of a family type event. Probably only about 20 percent of the crowd comes for the pub type atmosphere," said Johnstone.

Although weather could make or break any outdoor event, Johnstone is optimistic. "In 32 years, we've only had a half day of rain," he said.

The Montreal Highland Games will take place at the George Springate Sports Centre, located directly behind the Pierrefonds Comprehensive High School, 13800 Pierrefonds Blvd. on Aug. 3. Admission will be $15 for adults, free for children under 12. Parking is free and the site is wheel chair and pet friendly. For more information, visit www.montrealhighlandgames.qc.ca.