Mount Pleasant Magazine Sept/Oct 2013

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By CoLLeen DennIs
A sea of plaid will once
again descend on Boone Hall
Plantation in Mount Pleasant on
Sept. 21, welcoming everyone with
or without a tartan to enjoy the
Charleston Scottish Games and
Highland Gathering.
The Scottish Society was formed in 1971, an ef-
fort to keep the Scottish culture and heritage alive in the
Lowcountry. As the 42nd year of
the Charleston Scottish Games
and Highland Gathering approaches, it’s safe to say that the
tradition is thriving along the Carolina coast.
“When we started out, we were very small and nobody
knew about us for years,” said society president Karolea
Lucas. “If we had 100 people, it was great.”
The games will offer something for everyone to enjoy
throughout the day. Steve Lanier, a longtime attendee and
proud father of a bagpiper, recommends getting there early
to procure a good spot to enjoy the festivities. Another rea-
son to show up when the gate opens at 9 a.m. is to catch the
opening ceremonies. As the pipers and massed bands march
up the front lawn of the majestic Boone Hall Plantation,
you will literally feel the thunderous spirit of the games.
“If there is one event you would not want to miss, it is
the opening ceremonies,” said Lucas.
The games will host one of the largest piping and drum-
ming competitions in the Southeast, while throughout
the day, attendees will be able to sample flavors of Scottish
music from performers Colin Grant-Adams, Rathkeltair
and Smithfield Fair. As the sun goes down, the evening will
culminate with a Celtic concert under the stars.
And then, of course, there’s the athletic competition. Pro-
fessional and amateur athletes will vie for honors in catego-
ries such as the sheaf toss, stone of strength and caber toss.
“Last year, we had a fellow trying to break a world record
for hammer throw,” said Lucas. “The whole crowd was hold-
ing their breath as he threw, but he ended up missing it by a
short amount.”
Even the wee little ones will have their own caber toss
event. Other children’s activities include Scottish crafts,
Celtic storytelling, a bounce castle, a magic show, a Scottish
egg relay, face painting and the opportunity to build a kilt
for a favorite stuffed friend or doll. In other words, you are
not likely to hear the words “I’m bored.”
A creature also not likely to tolerate boredom well is the
Border Collie. These fine canines will show off the herding
instincts and skills of the esteemed workaholic breed, which
originated in Scotland.
Take a break and partake of some Scottish food as you
watch the drumming, piping and dancing competitions held
throughout the day. I have it on good authority that the meat
pies, and strawberries and clotted cream are not to be missed.
“Everyone is Scottish for a day,” said Lanier. “It’s great
to come out and enjoy the people, watch the events and
perhaps even have a cold pint.”
Tickets to the event are available at the gate or online
at . The majority of the proceeds
benefit various charities. Since its inception, the society has
donated $50,000 to the Ronald McDonald House alone.
ASea of Plaid:
EvEryonE Is scottIsh for a Day Photo courtesy of the Scottish Society.