Traffic was almost at a standstill in Jull Street, as bagpipes and tartan kilts abounded, when the City of Armadale celebrated its annual Highland Gathering at Minnawarra Park on Sunday 14 September.
The warm weather attracted a record crowd of approximately 15,000 local residents and visitors this year, to celebrate the popular Celtic-themed event, all eager to experience traditional Scots activities, food and entertainment throughout the day.
Mayor Henry Zelones said along with the pipe band and highland dancing competitions, patrons were treated to exciting costumed Gaelic battle re-enactments and strong men competing in the heavy events which included tossing the caber, putting the stones and wrestling.
“The kids were kept entertained with the animal petting farm, popular Medieval Fair and Clan Village and had lots of fun with the woad face painting.
“Morris and the Cuttlefish performed on the main stage, along with the Heel and Toe Band and the Ferrymen Celtic Band, and the interactive workshops ensured a day full of Celtic style fun for all the family,” said Mayor Zelones.
Earlier in the day Armadale Mayor Henry Zelones donned a traditional kilt to participate in Perth’s Largest Kilt Run attempt, which preceded the opening of the Highland Gathering.
This year the Hon Tony Simpson MLA, Minister for Local Government; Community Services; Seniors and Volunteering; Youth, also kilted up for challenge and ran the 5km course around the beautiful parklands along with City of Armadale Councillors Campbell, Stewart, Munn and Busby.
Mayor Zelones said this was the second year the City hosted the event and we were competing with our namesake cities from across the world, including Perth, Canada and Perth, United Kingdom, to see who has the most kilted runners at each year’s annual event.
“Thor Stewart travelled all the way from Perth in Canada, representing the Perth Running Goats, to join us for the Perth Western Australia attempt and crossed the finish line first – showing us all just how it’s done,” said Mayor Zelones.
The opening of the Highland Gathering followed the Mayors procession which included a massive line of kilted runners, pipe bands and a parade of Scottish Terriers of all shapes and sizes - dressed for the occasion in their kilted best.
The Highland Gathering is a free community event, staged and funded by the City of Armadale.