Inaugural KL Highland Games

Last Sunday we went to the inaugural Kuala Lumpur Highland Games which was held at the Bukit Kiara Equestrian Centre. It was hosted by the Selangor St Andrew's Society* and featured some traditional Scottish sports events and entertainment. It was touted as one of the biggest expatriate sporting and family-friendly events of the year.

One of the opening acts (CNB 2014)

There was a stage for cultural entertainment, including dancing (Scottish, Malaysian, etc.). The traditional sports events of the Scottish hammer throw, caber toss, etc. were also entertaining, because you get to see big, burly men in skirts kilts work hard at throwing and tossing! In fact it was kilts, kilts everywhere - on burly men, spotty teenagers and even little boys. There was lots of fun and entertainment for children too, and of course, loads of food and drinks for everybody. The food and drinks were a bit on the pricey side, but hey, its all for the good cause of charity.

Burley men of Scottish traditional games (CNB 2014)

The competitions in piping and drumming seemed intense as many bands around us at the stands practiced loudly (and noisily!?). I guess pipe and drum bands cannot help being loud, but entertaining nevertheless. Among them was the Kuala Lumpur Pipes and Drums (who won), the bands from UiTM, St John's Alumni, Sri Dashmesh Pipe and Drum Band (?), etc.

A gathering of men in skirts (CNB 2014)

Last minute practice ... (CNB 2014)

The only girl band in the competition was all the way from Pulau Pinang - A and B's alma mater St George's Girls School (SGGS). A also got to meet with her former teacher Cikgu Aswan who was in charge of the band. We were also introduced to the instructor who flies from Bangkok to Pulau Pinang to impart his skill and expertise.

The St George's band play for the judges (CNB 2014)

A and her alma mater's band instructor (CNB)

The sky had been downcast since early morning and of course it all poured down for a while in the afternoon. We left before the end so we missed the massed bands perform at the conclusion to the KL Highland Games. That should have been a fantastic spectacle and really, really loud!
Note*: The St Andrew's Society was established in 1887, and is one of the oldest Loyal Societies in Malaysia. The membership comprises the Scots, descendants of Scots and people who are interested in Scotland and Scottish culture.