Aberdeen Highland Games

Date of this event: June 16, 2013

The Highland Games season runs from the end of May to mid-September every year. Games are held throughout Scotland and range from small community events to quite large events. Having learned about the Highland Games throughout our time in Scotland, James and I were quite eager to experience them. As soon as we knew the date for the Aberdeen games, we were very excited to book our tickets. We met up with our friends, Liz and Greg, to take part in this unique Scottish tradition.

"Games and sports have been part of Scottish culture for centuries. Some believe the roots of the Highland games date as far back as the 11th century, when King Malcolm III called a foot race to the summit of Craig Choinnich, near Braemar, in the hopes of finding the fastest runner in the land to become his personal courier."

Traditional highland games events are: solo piping, pipe band competition, heavy events (hammer throwing and caber toss), track and field events, tug-o-war championship, and highland dancing.

Pipe band competition

Tug-o-war

The awesome judges

Tug-o-war championship

There were plenty of stalls for food, and drinks, and entertainment throughout the park.

Arbroath Smokies are haddock that have been preserved in salt and then smoked over hardwood chips.

Solo piping competition

Highland dancing

Caber tossing

Liz and me enjoying the games

Everyone had on their tartan kilt!

King's Links Driving Range

Date of this event: June 15, 2013

Looking for a fun day out in Aberdeen, James and I headed to King's Links Driving Range.

Improving our game

Despite my poor driving skills, we managed to have a lovely time!

Seals at Forvie Sands Nature Reserve

Date of this event: June 8, 2013

Upon learning there was a seal colony on the shores of a nearby nature reserve, James and I knew we needed to visit. From Aberdeen, we drove north to Forvie Nature Reserve, just north of Newburgh. We located a carpark near Ythan River and hopped out of the car. Ythan Estuary is just a short walk in the sand toward the North Sea.

(Coming into view) "Are those seals? THOSE ARE SEALS!!"

So. Many. Seals.

This curious seal kept coming close to see what we were up to.

Enjoying our view of the seals and the North Sea

Puffins at Fowlsheugh Nature Reserve

Date of this event: June 7, 2013

Puffins come ashore in Scotland from late April until mid-August, depending on the weather. Because June and July are the peak months for puffin spotting success, James and I decided to make a trip to RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) Fowlsheugh, just south of Stonehaven.

Puffins ahead!

 "Puffins nest in the burrows in cliffs, raising their young, which are called pufflings. Their favourite food is sandeels. Their beaks are serrated inside so that they ca grip the slippery fish. Puffins can carry several at once- the record number for one puffin in 83 sandeels!"

We spotted our first puffin!

Don't you just love those orange feet, teardrop-shaped eyes and brightly coloured beaks?

The puffins, as well as the Scottish seaside cliffs, were striking!

Deeside Roadtrip to Balmoral Castle

Date of this adventure: June 5, 2013

My friend, Kristal, and I decided to take a day trip from Aberdeen to Balmoral Castle.

Crathes Castle was our first stop as we headed west from Aberdeen.

It's amazing how quickly you see views like this just as you get outside of the city.

River Dee

Entrance to Balmoral Castle

Royal cars and carriages

Working gardens

Balmoral Castle

"Balmoral Castle has been one of the residences of the British Royal Family since 1852, when the estate and its original castle were purchased privately by Prince Albert, consort to Queen Victoria. They remain as the private property of the royal family and are not the property of the Crown."

During August, September, and October, the grounds are closed to the public as the royal family are in residence.

I definitely recommend this trip as a refreshing day out in the Scottish countryside!