the Gathering of the Scots

Schedule of Events May

2010-03-24T18:28:00.000-07:00

SCHEDULE - 2010Saturday, May 8thThe Gathering of the Scots Whisky Pairing Dinner !Friday, May 28th(Tentative) Kilted Golf TournamentJunior Heavyweight Athletics WorkshopScottish Heavyweight Athletics WorkshopScottish SocialSaturday, May 29th(Tentative) Highander's BreakfastAmateur Scottish HeavyweightsOpen/Pro Scottish HeavyweightsOfficial Opening CeremoniesOfficial Closing CermoniesScottish

The Menu- Finally

2010-03-18T11:31:00.000-07:00

Whiskey Pairings Dinnner Tickets - On sale March 12th! To reserve you seat at the table in 2010 contact Rod MacIntosh by phoning (506) 391- 6512 (cell) or 273-6710 home).The Dinner is on May 8th at the Perth's Elk Lodge starting at 5:30. The cost is $60 per person. This year's menu:Introduction - A cheese inspired dish with grapes (the dish will be either mini cheese ball or chevre cheesecake).

Whisky Pairing Dinner

2010-03-04T08:26:00.000-08:00

This year's Gathering of the Scots Whisky Pairing Dinner will be held on Saturday 8 May at the Perth Elks Lodge at 5:30pm There are 64 seats available at a cost of $60 each.The third annual Whisky Pairing Dinner will again feature a five course meal with each course especially chosen to be a companion to one of the whiskies mentioned below. At this time, the menu is a closely guarded secret.More

Some of John's Notes

2010-02-14T05:39:00.000-08:00

John Lang has put together some notes on the Whiskies we are tasting.Descriptions of the 5 Single Malts by Jim Murray in hisWhisky Bible, 20081.) The Macallan Cask Strength $70.29Earned a mark of 94% as follows-Nose- 22 / 25- cranked-up, sweet, clean sherry.Taste- 24 / 25- absolutely spot-on delivery, with grape concentrate, thickened by intense barley, wonderful spices arrive on cue.Finish- 24 /

Third Annual Whisky Pairings Dinner

2010-02-05T06:06:00.000-08:00

G'day folks,The Organizing committee met and the date is close to being set for the now Annual Whisky Pairings Dinner. It looks like either May 1st or 15th.John Lang is consulting with his experts and has an interesting selection of whiskys almost finalized and ready to order.Gathering of the Scots Resident Chef Dirk Bishop is ready to prepare the food.John and Dirk have already planned a

It's a go!!

2009-05-28T16:32:00.000-07:00

The grounds are set, the good weather has been ordered from Environment Canada and all we need is people!Here is a picture just to whet your enthusiasm! The festival has taken a big growth spirt this year. The field of Athletes is huge and we have more displays than last year! There will be something for everyone! ... and don't forget to drop by the Tea Tent for a morsel of haggis! I

Some Changes on the Grounds

2009-05-14T11:56:00.000-07:00

The Gathering of the Scots is changing the location of the information booth and creating a separate souvenir booth.The Information booth will be located just as you walk onto the grounds and highly visible and the souvenir booth will be in or near the vendor alley.Amanda has been scouring the catalogues to find the perfect souvenirs, and Carrie and Christie who will be running the booth, are

Pipes and Drums Scotland the Brave

2009-05-12T16:26:00.000-07:00

A Hugh part of the festival is the sound of the Great Highland Pipes. This year we have four bands: Fredericton Junior Pipe Band Oromocto Legion Pipe Band Fredericton District Pipe Band and our very own Southern Victoria Pipe Band. The individual bands perform at various time through out the day but the highlight happens at noon and 5:30 pm, when they join together and perform as a MASSED BAND.

Fly Casting Competition

2009-05-12T16:17:00.000-07:00

Clifford Young has been working hard the last couple of years to introduce a new-to-our-games but a standard part of traditional Scottish Festivals -- Fly Casting Competition. Salmon fishing is a noble highland sport enjoyed by kings and poachers!Prince Phillip and Prince Charles of the British Royal family are passionate fly fishermen when they are at Balmoral Castle in the Scottish Highlands.So

PARTY AT THE CEILIDH Tickets Available now

2009-05-11T05:15:00.000-07:00

What's a Ceilidh? A big Kitchen Party!How do you say it? (Kay-Lee no stress on either syllable)When? Saturday night, May 30th at the Perth-Andover Legion (9PM-1AM)Who? Shanneyganock Plus Mason's Tender, the Gaelach Breacan Dancers and lots of pipes and drums.How Much? Only $12 per person, Get your ticket either at the information booth at the Games or at Boardwalk Video or the Bogan Restaurant

CAMPING AT THE FESTIVAL

2009-05-09T09:06:00.000-07:00

Now that you've decided to participate in the Gathering of the Scots Highland Games and Festival, where will you stay? Most of the local motels have rooms available, but if you like to camp, Baird's Memorial Campground is right next to festival grounds. They have modern trailer hook ups and excellent tenting sites over looking the majestic Saint John River (the Rhine of North America)With

KILTED GOLF IN THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

2009-05-09T08:30:00.000-07:00

A great way to kick off the May 29th weekend is with a round of very light-hearted friendly golf. For some of us, it's the only time we play golf! And you don’t need a full set of clubsIt starts 4ish, just a few miles from Perth-Andover in the not so Ancient Scottish Highlands of Kintore at Mavor’s Golf & Sports Club, a challenging nine hole course designed by Pro/owner Dick Mavor.It's a very

Truncated schedule

2009-05-08T17:25:00.000-07:00

GATES OPEN AT THE GROUNDSSaturday, May 30th at festival Grounds (8:30 am)Family (immediate) $20, Adult $7, Student $5 for a complete day of everything ScottishAthletics get underway at 9:00 AMMain stage entertainment starts at 10 AMMiddle School RugbyFiremen's Tug-of-war ChallengeFood & retailGenealogy and Information kiosksStop into the GOS Information tent for more informationTake one of our

MEDIEVAL MEMORIES FROM PERTH-ANDOVER'S VERY OWN CASTLE

2009-05-08T17:11:00.000-07:00

It's getting closer to the final weekend in May and folks are starting to anticipate what many think of as the highlight of the year in Perth-Andover. Many folks start their celebration on Saturday, but one of the best kept secrets of the Games is the Social on the Castle Inn on Friday evening. Like all things that weekend, it's a very informal, gathering of friends you know and friends you'll

Gathering of the Scots becomes truly international

2009-05-06T08:19:00.000-07:00

I just got an email from Rod Mac."... Dirk just confirmed with Mike Zolkiewicz from Mass. He is one of the premier throwers in the US. Couple that with the guys coming from New Hampshire and Maine makes for a pretty good international event. Also it looks like we'll have competitors from Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, NB, and Nova Scotia. 5 provinces and 3 states...not bad for a small games in Perth

It's almost here

2009-05-06T08:16:00.000-07:00

Twenty-two Days left until the Gathering of the Scots Highland Games and Festival.For all the latest specific information go to: www.gatheringofthescots.com

Whisky Pairing dinner; What to wear?

2009-04-07T09:37:00.000-07:00

With the Whisky Pairing dinner only 18 days away, I'm sure many of you are wondering: "... what to wear, what to wear? Well, it's a gala event and last year we had everything from Victoria County casual, to formal wear, with lots of plaid in evidence. Many of the volunteers were in kilts as were some of the guests. It's a great opportunity to strut your scottish heritage.Don't have a kilt?

Whisky Pairing information

2009-03-03T17:43:00.000-08:00

The Whisky Pairings page is up on the Gathering of the Scots web page. Wayland did a superb job.BTW, tickets are going fast if not sold out already.

Tickets go on sale Today

2009-03-03T10:10:00.000-08:00

The information on the Pairing Dinner for the website went to the webmaster today.Tickets go on sale today. $50 per person. info2@gatheringofthescots.com or Call Rod MacIntosh at 273-6710Don't dottle or you may be dissapointed.

Entertainment at the Whisky Pairing

2009-03-01T07:14:00.000-08:00

Mason's Tender will provide the musical entertainment for the evening.Here is their websitehttp://www.sonicbids.com/epk/epk.aspx?epk_id=143492

The Water Of Life

2009-02-28T10:37:00.000-08:00

There seems to be a bit of a mystique surrounding Scotch Whisky, or in Scottish Gaelic, Uisge Beatha.It is asked for or offered by different names, " ...a wee dram...", "... a drop..." , "... something to wet your whistle..." and so on.Some like it neat, some with ice, some with varying amounts of water, some at room temperature and some a bit colder than that.Hopefully, we'll come away from

The Single Malts Are Finalized.

2009-02-28T10:13:00.000-08:00

John and Dirk have settled on the pairings and all the whisky has arrived in Perth-Andover.It's interesting to note that all the whisky we're using is available here in New Brunswick.The MenuIntroduction- Cheese and Fruit,paired with Inverleven 1990, rare Lowland MaltSalad- Spinach and Cashew,paired with Benromach Traditional- SpeysideScottish Appetizer- Haggis with Neeps and Tatties(mild

Whisky Pairing Dinner Sat., April 25

2009-02-26T17:26:00.000-08:00

The planning for the "Whisky Pairing" dinner is well underway under the direction of John Lang our whisky guru and Chef Dirk Bishop. This year may just outshine last year, which is no mean feat.Tickets will go on sale shortly, so keep watching the website and local papers for information on how to buy the tickets, a bargain at $50 per person.John has been working hard securing the best pairings

BARRY'S PRIVATEERS HEADLINE TARTAN DAY BLAST!

2008-03-20T18:39:00.000-07:00

They appear every St. Patrick's Day like a haunted Pirate ship emerging from the fog. Coming together from other bands they unite to form a driving force in Celtic music.They are BARRY'S PRIVATEERS and they play Celtic music that you know and love in an up tempo, high energy manner that will have you singing and dancing with friends old and new. Whether it’s traditional ballads or new

THE GATHERING WELCOMES CHAD TETFORD

2008-03-18T19:19:00.000-07:00

CHAD TETFORD is a songwriter/singer "making big waves" from Halifax, Nova Scotia.His debut album "Between Us" features 12 original tracks written by Tetford and includes special guest quest appearances by many of his friends ( including The Cottars) that stopped by throughout the recording process to lend their talents.Writing songs for as long as he can remember, Chad will definitely turn a lot

SCOTLAND'S ALAN TRAIN TO PERFORM IN 2008!!

2008-03-18T18:39:00.000-07:00

Montreal-based ALAN TRAIN has been confirmed as one of the many great musicians to perform at the Gathering of the Scots in 2008!Born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, and a graduate of Strathclyde University in 2000 with an honours degree in music, Alan has never been without a guitar since the age of 6. He grew up playing in bands from an early age and has been fortunate enough to earn his living

KEVIN ROBINSON THROWS FOR 2008 GATHERING TITLE!

2008-03-12T16:28:00.000-07:00

Perth-Andover, a center for Scottish Heavy Athletic development in New Brunswick, has produced many top competitors in recent years. Along with the accomplishments of reigning NB Champion Dirk Bishop, several other high-level titles have been held by local athletes including Lyndon Clark (2007 NB Junior Champion) and the husband & wife team of Kevin & Adena Robinson (2006 NB Open/Pro Champion

3-TIME WORLD MASTERS CHAMPION TO THROW AT GATHERING!

2008-03-12T15:19:00.000-07:00

Fans will be pleased to know that "3-time World Masters Champion" Dirk Bishop will return to the Gathering of the Scots in 2008 to compete for top honors in the Scottish Heavy Athletics events! In addition to the amazing accomplishment of winning 3 World Masters titles (2005,2006,2007), Bishop presently holds the title of "Open/Pro New Brunswick Champion" as well.Bishop, the pride and joy of

WOMEN'S ATHLETICS TO BE HIGHLIGHTED IN 2008!

2008-03-12T14:55:00.000-07:00

Perth-Andover's Gathering of the Scots festival marked the first time that women have competed in the sport of Scottish Heavy Athletics in Eastern Canada (2007)! After such a successful start, organizers are pleased to announce that the "Lassies" will be back on the field again in 2008!Seeing the women toss around the heavy implements proved to be a crowd favorite, and they will not disappoint

CANADIAN CHAMPION RETURNS TO THE GATHERING!

2008-03-12T14:35:00.000-07:00

Greg Hadley, 3 time Canadian Champion, is returning to the Gathering of the Scots festival in 2008. Hadley has won the Ancient Scottish Heavy Events title at the Gathering for the past 5 years and is gunning for his 6th consecutive win. He owns most of the field records at our local games and it is a pleasure to watch him make this original extreme sport look easy! Hadley’s accomplishments

MENU & LOCATION SET FOR 2008 WHISKY PAIRINGS!

2008-03-09T18:06:00.000-07:00

The final menu and location are now set for the first Gathering of the Scots WHISKY PAIRINGS DINNER in Perth-Andover. An excellent assortment of highland malts have been "expertly paired" with an outstanding 5-course menu! With only 60 seats available, tickets for this one-of-a-kind event are going fast! Contact us today to reserve yours!!!Date/Time: SAT., MAY 10th, 2008 6:00 PMLocation:

"TAXI CHAIN" HEADLINES CEILIDH IN 2008!

2008-03-01T17:08:00.000-08:00

"Blues-rock with saxophones aren't especially rare . . . However, a blues-rock band that includes both Sax and Highlands Bagpipes is a different story altogether!A Toronto-based quintet, Taxi Chain was founded in 1993 by onetime "Rare Air" piper Grier Coppins. Defying musical conventions, this 5-man band makes the pipes sound right at home amid Memphis-style horns and R&B - influenced

TARTAN DAY BLAST @ THE BOGAN - SATURDAY APRIL 5th

2008-02-28T17:16:00.000-08:00

To everyone across North America, TARTAN DAY (April 6th) celebrates the historical links between Scotland and Scottish descendants in North America. Each year in Canada, people gather together on, or near this date to celebrate their rich Scottish heritage by hosting teas, suppers, Celtic performances and . . . only in Perth-Andover, a Tartan Day Blast!!With lots of plaid, Celtic music, and

WHISKY PAIRINGS DINNER COMES TO PERTH-ANDOVER!

2008-02-28T16:48:00.000-08:00

From its earliest days, whisky has been known for its curative and creative properties. Charming Saints and tormenting sinners, Scotland’s national drink has evolved into a unique cultural icon of the people who savor it.Now, for the first time in Atlantic Canada, a pilgrimage will be

"SHUTTLE" TO AND FROM KINTORE!!

2007-05-20T06:46:00.000-07:00

Worried about getting to the Kilted Golf? Let us make the trip a bit easier!!Shuttle services (compliments of F. McClure & Sons Ltd. Toyota, Grand Falls) will be provided on Friday afternoon from the festival site to the golf course - and then back to your car, free of charge!Departure is from Baird's at approximately 3:00 PM - see you then!! And remember, if your driving to Kintore, simply "keep

PICAROONS BREWMASTER TELLS IT ALL!

2007-05-17T21:11:00.000-07:00

In the 15th century before hops were brought to England from the Netherlands, the term "ale" was used to describe unhopped fermented beverages. The term "beer" was eventually adopted to describe an ale-like brew with the addition of hops. (compliments of Picaroons Ales website at http://www.picaroons.ca.Owner and Brewmaster of one of New Brunswick's most famous breweries, Sean Dunbar will lead an

MAKING WHITE MEN DANCE SINCE 1642!

2007-05-17T20:47:00.000-07:00

Join celebrated Whisky expert and owner of one of Fredericton's most popular watering-holes (Dolan's Pub) for an informative session of "pallet stimulation".What's the difference between a Single Malt, Pure Malt, and Blended Whisky. How do you find the right whisky for your personal taste?Learn the answers to these questions plus many more at this year's Gathering of the Scots WHISKY TASTING

MARCH WITH YOUR CLAN AT THE GATHERING!!

2007-05-17T20:28:00.000-07:00

Here's your chance to march with 100 pipes & drums at the Gathering of the Scots Festival! Would you like to have your family crest hang in a place on honor throughout the festival?Organizers still have room for a few more Celtic Clans to join into this year's CLAN MARCH (Saturday at noon). All you have to do is round up a few members of your family to participate in the March and contact us

CALLING ALL ATHLETES!!

2007-05-11T20:25:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to "Toss the hammer" or "Turn the Caber"? Well here's your chance! On Friday, May 25th (5:30 PM) Qualified Professional Instructors will host The Gathering of the Scots Sixth Annual HEAVYWEIGHT ATHLETICS SKILLS WORKSHOP at the festival grounds (Route#105, Baird's Memonial Campground, just south of Perth-Andover).With both male and female divisions,

KILTS IN KINTORE ON FRIDAY!!

2007-05-11T19:59:00.000-07:00

All roads lead to the Lower Kintore Golf and Sports Club Friday, May 25th! A jam-packed weekend of Celtic celebration will get begin with the Gathering of the Scots "THIRD ANNUAL KILTED GOLF TOURNAMENT". Enjoy a highthearted afternoon of Scotland's favorite sport in the beautiful Highlands of the Scotch Colony!! Tee-off to the haunting sounds of the Highland Bagpipes - it just doesn't get any

2007-03-14T17:33:00.000-07:00

LOTS OF CABERS & HAMMERS TO FLY AT THE GATHERING!!Scottish Athletics will be front and center again in 2007 at the Gathering of the Scots with one of the largest field of competitors ever seen in Maritime Canada! Over 70 "kilted" athletes will take part in the weekend’s activities including Friday's Athletic Skills Workshop and Saturday competitions in categories such as Junior, Open/Pro, Amateur

MEDIEVAL WARRIORS GO TO BATTLE!

2007-03-09T10:02:00.000-08:00

Have you ever dreamed of a time when knights fought in battle, great halls were lit by candelight and jesters entertained the crowds? If so, then don't miss the "Shire of Lyndhaven" display at the Gathering of the Scots in 2007. Dedicated to the research and recreation of life during the European Middle Ages, members of the Society for Creative Anachronism will be on hand to recreate many

"BOTTOMS UP" TO HEADLINE 07 CEILIDH!!

2007-03-08T11:13:00.000-08:00

Celtic music will be front and center at this year's Gathering of the Scots Festival in Perth-Andover, with a long list of musical and dance performances throughout the weekend. Headlining the festival's Saturday Evening Ceilidh (May 26th) will be the Celtic-folk sounds of recent ECMA nominees "BOTTOMS UP". Creating a "kitchen party" atmosphere wherever they play, this 5-piece band is sure to

"CAST A LINE" AT THE GATHERING!!

2007-03-07T19:21:00.000-08:00

For many years, "Fly Casting Competitions" have been a tradtition at many festivals in the Highlands of Scotland. For the first time in 2007, visitors to the Gathering of the Scots will get the chance to test their skills in this time-honored sport of champions. Offering 2 divisions (youth and adult), competitors will try their luck at both the "single-handed fly accuracy" and "distance

KINCARDINE PIPERS TO PERFORM IN 2007!!

2007-03-07T18:46:00.000-08:00

Organizers of the Gathering of the Scots festival have confirmed that the KINCARDINE SCOTTISH PIPE BAND (Kincardine, Ontario) will be making the trip to Perth-Andover in 2007. Founded in 1908, the Kincardine band has been performed literally thousands of public performances for almost a century and is believed to be the oldest street pipe band with unbroken service in Ontario, Canada!! A record

Welcome to the Gathering of the Scots 2007

2007-02-05T17:48:00.001-08:00

We have created this blog to act as a Guestbook for the 2oo7 GOS Festival.Please leave your comments.