NESSIE 69th Fergus Scottish Festival NESSIE
2014


Click on any photo to obtain a larger version.



FRIDAY TATTOO


Once again, Denis Snowdon served as Master of Ceremonies. During the pre-tattoo show, I spoke to him during a short break in the programme. We talked about the Clan Passport booklets sponsored by the Scottish Studies Foundation, and director David Hunter's name came up during a discussion of the sail past aboard the Empire Sandy at the end of August.

The tattoo featured the Royal Regiment of Canada, the Fergus Pipe Band, and the Highland Creek Pipe Band. A few members of the 48th Highlanders joined the massed bands later during the evening. We were seated at the ropes straight across from the "Castle Gate", and the lighting conditions were slightly better for us.

ROYAL REGIMENT OF CANADA FERGUS PIPE BAND

One of the highlights of the evening was two successful attempts to set a world record for the number of participants who could obtain valid scores during a massed caber toss. The previous record of 50 was broken with a score of 51 on the first try . . . and a score of 52 on the second. Tommy Leadbeater, who usually opens the tattoo, did not appear until later in the programme again.

CABER TOSS CABER TOSS

CABER TOSS CABER TOSS

Click below for a video presentation by the famed Schiehallion Dancers, who are instructed by Sandra Bald Jones of Hamilton, Ontario.


The band of the Royal Regiment of Canada, formed in 1863 and now based at Fort York in Toronto, is the oldest permanently organized band in the Canadian Forces. They were joined by pipers from the 48th Highlanders as a selection of World War II songs were sung by Danielle Bourne. The very lively Tommy Leadbeater finally appeared at centre field (wiggle-waggling his kilt).

ROYAL REGIMENT

Here is a sample of the WWII songs sung by Danielle Bourne accompanied by the Royal Regiment and pipers.




TOMMY LEADBEATER TOMMY LEADBEATER

A musical and historical representation of the Great War on its hundredth anniversary was presented by Hugh Brewster and the Grammy nominated Elora Festival Singers. This multi-media presentation of Canada's participation in WWI could not be displayed on this webpage in a manner that would do it justice. It was followed with a tribute by the Schiehallion Dancers from Hamilton.

SCHIEHALLION DANCERS

The Highland Creek Pipes and Drums added electric guitars and a full drum set on stage this year. This was followed by candlelight and torch ceremony before the fireworks at the conclusion of the programme.

HIGHLAND CREEK BAND ELECTRIC GUITARS

TORCH CEREMONY TORCH CEREMONY TORCH CEREMONY

FIREWORKS FIREWORKS FIREWORKS FIREWORKS

FIREWORKS FIREWORKS FIREWORKS FIREWORKS

Watch the grand finale of fireworks by David Whysall International Fireworks Inc. of Fergus.


OOT AND ABOOT

On Saturday, I concentrated upon my main task of ensuring the success of the Clan Passport booklets for the children. The competitions for highland dancers were held under a tent and seats for the audience were outside in the sun; thus conditions were not ideal for pictures.

At the entrance to the Avenue of the Clans, there was a demonstration area where I managed to get photos of a crossbred Percheron called Jack, a couple of Highland Cattle and some Sheep.

PERCHERON HIGHLAND CATTLE

SHEEP SHEEP SHEARING

On the positive side, David Radley (the supervisor of the Avenue of the Clans) took an interest in the Clan Passport booklets. The weather was also responsible for a very successful turnout during the weekend. Some Clan representatives showed an interest in the sponsorship by the Scottish Studies Foundation. This was a most successful year once again, even though there was no mention or credit given in the Official Program of the festival. Lloyd Bruce, however, ensured that the Scottish Studies Foundation received credit on the festival website.

Another Ross couple, Ron and Shirley Ross from Sault Sainte Marie, were also guests at Dorothy Collin's bed-and-breakfast . . . and they joined the Clan Parade for the opening ceremony on the Main Field at noon.

RON AND PAM PRE-PARADE PHOTO

Please use the BACK button of your browser to return.

© The Ross-ter