Tartan Triumph: The Braemar Gathering

Follow the skirl of the pipes and witness the triumphant tartan extravaganza that was the Braemar Highland Gathering of 1952. This rare amateur film contrasts quiet local preparations in the village with the excitement and exhilaration of traditional sporting events to follow. Pipe bands, Highland dancers, and athletes perform for crowds of over 40,000 people, including Royal regulars the Queen and Prince Philip.

This rare film was made by an amateur film-maker, J.B. McDonald, and was entered in the Scottish Amateur Film Festival in 1954. The pace is noticeably different to the professional newsreels of the event, and at 25 minutes long, the camera is not afraid to linger and invite you to participate. It is fascinating to see 'behind the scenes' - witness the red carpet being tacked into position at the last minute or the bus conductor enjoying a moment of peace before the hordes of visitors clamber aboard bound for the Gathering. Allow this film to transport you back to a vibrant 1950s world where everyone is excited to see tartan clad athletes and catch a glimpse of the Queen as she arrives to oversee The Braemar Gathering!