Photo: Lynne Mowbray
Keen competition at Highland Gathering
The last couple of years have proved to be a trying time for anyone attempting to hold an event and organisers of the 117th Maclean Highland Gathering, were keen to make this year’s event, a great one.
Maclean Highland Gathering Chief Peter Smith said that they were expecting a particularly good gathering this year and it did not disappoint, with record entries of solo competitors recorded on Friday afternoon.
“We had to split some of the events to finish before midnight,” Mr Smith said.
Lower Clarence Scottish Association Inc. secretary Alister Smith said that despite Covid cancelling the gathering in 2020, and having restrictions imposed on last years event, they still managed to get over 2000 attending on the gathering’s main day, in 2021.
Maclean Scottish Town Dancer Grace Kerridge during the Sword Dance. Grace’s great-uncle George Kerridge, a former stonemason from Scotland, built the Maclean Scottish Cairn. 
Chief Peter Smith (right) with his son Andrew (left). 
The Caber Toss event is always a crowd favourite. 
Adding to the fun of the Highland Games were Team McCleavage members Eric Procter of Brisbane and Greg Dixon of the Gold Coast. 
One of the many ladies competing in the Haggis Hurl event.
Photos: Lynne Mowbray. More at www.clarencevalleynews.com.au
“I think that this years Highland Gathering was one of the main gatherings since the easing of (Covid) restrictions, which resulted in some strong enthusiasm (to get back into it),” Alister said.
“This year we had over 3000 people attending on the main day.
“We had 21 bands attending, with 20 bands taking part in the street march on Saturday morning.
“I believe that this was one of the strongest pipe band competitions outside of this year’s Australian Championships, which will be held in Sydney in October,” he said.
Alister said that it was disappointing that the Massed Band event at the end of this year’s gathering was cut short due to a deluge of rain, which hit just as the event began.
“With the amount of money invested in their gear, it was understandable why it was cut short,” he said.
Photo: Lynne Mowbray.
Bob celebrates his birthday, at Highland Gathering
Photo: Lynne Mowbray
Maclean’s Robert (Bob) McPherson OAM was this year’s Official Guest at the 117th Maclean Gathering.
Bob said that he is currently the publicity officer for the Lower Clarence Scottish Society.
“I joined the Society in 1968 and in 1971 I took over the secretary role which involves managing the Highland Sports and the Highland Games, so I’ve been active within the committee for 54 years,” Bob said.
Bob received his Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2002, for service to community, especially to Lower Clarence Scottish Society.
Saturday is the main day of the Highland Gathering each Easter, and this year was particularly special as Bob was celebrating his 82nd birthday!
“Never in 54 years has the Highland Gathering of Maclean fallen on Bob McPherson’s birthday,” said Bob.
“So, I’m really touched that now I’ve lived to see it clash – with my birthday and the main event,” he said.
For further information and Highland Gathering competition results visit: facebook.com/lowerclarencescottishassociation
More images at www.clarencevalleynews.com.au
This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 20 April 2022.
