worst-run Highland Games ever!

**Babyvett** · 19th February 13, 11:43 AM

We went on Sunday and weren't that impressed.. It just seemed the placement of everything was too close together and the entire place was one big bottleneck. Not cool when you have two kiddos in strollers..

**TheOfficialBren** · 19th February 13, 12:49 PM

Originally Posted by creagdhubh

Wow, what a crappy-sounding games indeed!

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It sounds like this particular event sounds better in theory rather than in practise.

**flatsphere** · 20th February 13, 10:27 AM

The games have changed over the years, as has the management. They've never been the friendliest to customers or participants, though I think this is the first time they've had the no return policy for visitors.
The layout changed to it's current form last year, which caused an uproar with vendors and clans due to the unpredictable weather this time of year. It used to be that all the vendors, clans and entertainment would be on several decks onboard the ship while the games, reenactors and sheepdog trials took place at the park past the submarine. It was a bit of a hike to go between the two. I imagine the current layout came about as an effort to place it all together. However if everyone is going to be outside, I'd rather be at the park than the parking lot.
The fees for the clans have also increased in the last few years to the point where I voted against having a presence (Clan MacDougall). Many clans did not attend for the same reason.
Not many bands participated either...and as of 5:00 pm on Sunday, no one had registered for kitchen piping.
We'll see what comes but as for me, I'll continue to vote against a presence until they work with the community to improve the event.
Cheers!
R

**grizzbass** · 20th February 13, 01:23 PM

As I said in my Queen Mary picture posts I did enjoy the festival but agree with everything you said. I thought about complaining but had enough fun that it kind of slipped my mind. Your post reminds me that it should be mentioned to the powers that be. I imagine that would be to the Queen Mary as I can't believe the festival organizers would have instituted the silly rules.

**Alan H** · 21st February 13, 10:31 AM

I hear over on the big athletics forum, that ALL the athletics were on the small field right by the ship, rather than having the hammers out on that separate field. There's not enough room for the light hammer event on that small field. I'm very glad that nobody got hurt.

**Alan H** · 21st February 13, 10:35 AM

We also have to remember that the group that stages this is the Queen Mary management team. They're in it to make money, not to make athletes, pipers or anybody else happy. Now, obviously, if they do a good job and make people happy, people are likely to come back and that means they make money next year. However, I honestly believe that the QM management makes decisions about the event on the primary point of maximizing profit from the event. It may cost extra to use the space on the grass, up in front of the submarine.... I don't know.

One thing is for sure.... they do not care one tiny little bit about Scottish Culture or Traditions. This is a BUSINESS which is in it to MAKE MONEY. Period. If it doesn't make money, then it will go away very quickly.

**Geoff Withnell** · 22nd February 13, 08:02 AM

And if the clans and the athletes are unhappy, and don't support it, there is no event.

Originally Posted by Alan H

We also have to remember that the group that stages this is the Queen Mary management team. They're in it to make money, not to make athletes, pipers or anybody else happy. Now, obviously, if they do a good job and make people happy, people are likely to come back and that means they make money next year. However, I honestly believe that the QM management makes decisions about the event on the primary point of maximizing profit from the event. It may cost extra to use the space on the grass, up in front of the submarine.... I don't know.

One thing is for sure.... they do not care one tiny little bit about Scottish Culture or Traditions. This is a BUSINESS which is in it to MAKE MONEY. Period. If it doesn't make money, then it will go away very quickly.

**oldscubaguy** · 22nd February 13, 09:34 AM

After going last year and being dissapointed, and then reading on their site that the musical entertainment was only Friday night, and a separate ticket, I decided to not go. I will be going to the Bakersfield Scottish Games, The Scotfest In Orange county, and the Seaside games in Ventura all of which I have never been dissapointed.

**piperdbh** · 22nd February 13, 09:45 AM

Come to Loch Norman in April. It's a really fun Games, well laid-out, and they even have archery!

**Babyvett** · 22nd February 13, 01:59 PM

Alan, we were thinking the same thing regarding the athletes and the small field.. We saw at least one hammer go out of the fenced area with people gathered all around. I kept imagining one of the cabers crashing into the fence and hurting someone.

oldscubaguy, when is the bakersfield event?? I haven't heard about that one and Bakersfield is right up the road.. Might have to check that one out.