Dunedin To Host Highland Games

Showcasing its Scottish heritage, the city of Dunedin will host the 43rd annual Dunedin Highland Games and Spring Clan Gathering on Saturday, April 4, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Highlander Park and Dunedin Community Center, 1920 Pinehurst Road.

The event will feature brawny athletes measuring their might in a variety of competitions such as the caber toss, weight throw, stone put, the Scottish hammer and sheaf toss. At the end of the day, those who can muster the muscle will try their hand at the Dunedin Stone Challenge.

The athletic contests make up only one component of the day’s events. Attendees also will see pipers piping, drummers drumming and skilled dancers performing traditional Scottish steps such as the Gillie Calum – the Sword Dance. A number of clans will gather, sharing bits of history and colorful tales with attendees in the clan village.

There also will be live entertainment. Kilts will be twirling when Celtic rockers Seven Nations take the stage.

Admission is $10. Children aged 12 and younger will be admitted for free with a paying adult. Pets are not allowed.

The annual Dunedin Highland Games was established in 1966 as a way to raise funds to support the three Scottish bands of Dunedin, including the City of Dunedin Pipe Band, the Dunedin High School Scottish Highlanders Band and the Dunedin Highland Middle School Band.