The North East Film Archive is one of a network of regional film archives established to collect, preserve and show film made in, or about the North East of England. Our collections are non-fiction, and date from the early 1900s to the present day, providing a rich record of life in the region over the 20th century. Many of our films are available to watch, free of charge, on our website.
This film is part of Free
Braemar Highland Gathering
An early engagement for a future Queen at an annual sporting fling in the Highlands down the road from Balmoral.
From the collection of:
Overview
Nestled in spectacular mountains, the village of Braemar welcomes Royal regulars and tartan-clad clans to its traditional Highland Gathering. There’s a show of brawn and artistry as pipe bands and Highland dancers compete, and sportsmen demonstrate their prowess in putting the stone and throwing the hammer. This rare amateur film by a cine enthusiast from Newcastle upon Tyne also captures the first ever visit of the future Queen Elizabeth II as a 7 year old child.
The filmmaker was James Cameron, one of the original founders of the Newcastle & District Amateur Cinematographers Association back in 1927. The cine club was one of only five in Britain at the time. Against all the odds, the club was still operating in the city in 2018. This film is part of a unique and eclectic collection, which dates back to those pioneering early decades of amateur cinematography.
Related
In a Scotch Mist In a Scotch Mist
Non-Fiction 1925 2 mins Silent Location: Braemar
It looks grey in Braemer but that doesn't stop the crowds and King George V gathering for a Gathering
Dee Valley Dee Valley
School programme and Educational film 1959 18 mins Silent Location: Aberdeen
Journey by steam train on the lost Royal Deeside railway line to Ballater and Balmoral Castle through Cults, Peterculter and Banchory in 1959, in this lovely educational film.
Tartan Triumph: The Braemar Gathering Tartan Triumph: The Braemar Gathering
Amateur film 1952 25 mins Silent Location: Braemar
March in to the Braemar Highland Gathering of 1952, in this rare amateur film ablaze with pipe bands, Highland dancers, and athletes performing for crowds of over 40,000 people.
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.