Saturday July 18th marked the 22nd annual Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival. When the festival began all that could be heard were the high pitched yet oddly soothing cry of the bagpipes. In addition there were kilts as far as the I can see. My first few steps into the festival I was already in conversation with a large bearded man asking me which clan I belonged to.
After a brief history lesson on the Scots and the Stewart Clan I ventured into the Market where vendors offered everything from crystals to swords. After about 45 minutes of talking myself out of buying a giant double bladed sword I soon found myself contemplating whether I wanted a giant turkey leg or a meat pie. Needless to say I decided to get both and was not disappointed. To make things even better I washed my food down with some Honey Mead.
After a long day of eating, listening to bagpipes, and watching people smaller than me throw sixteen pound stones further than I could throw something half its weight it was time for the opening ceremonies. The opening ceremonies featured the Massed Bands, Highland Fling, and the Clan Parade. First the Massed Bands marched up and down the field playing their bagpipes in unison. You can watch a clip of the Massed Bands March at the end of the video above. Following the Massed Bands was the Highland fling where girls from all ages danced to the bagpipes. Finally it was time for the clans to introduce themselves with their war cry. Some were funny, others were intimidating, and at the end of the Clan Parade all the clans gave one last war cry as a group and it was quite the sight.
The music never seemed to stop at Glasgow. Whether it was another troop of young men and women playing the bagpipes or Charlie Zahm pushing his vocal cords to the limit there was always something to move to.
In conclusion Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival was a great time. From the food to the highland dancers everything is a new and exciting experience. Bertera Subaru of West Springfield definitely recommends checking The Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival out next year on July 16th, 2016 or as the Scottish put it “Come ye back tae Glasgow Lands next year!”
