Bundanoon is Brigadoon
In the beautiful but rugged area of the Southern Highlands in New South Wales, slightly reminiscent of the Highlands of Scotland, lies the village of Bundanoon. This village over the past 31 years has gained the envious reputation throughout Australia as the Premier location for hosting the traditional Scottish Highland Games. Every year in April between 12-16000 Australians, many not necessarily of Scottish descent make an annual pilgrimage to this outstanding event to enjoy and participate in the gathering known, as ”Bundanoon is Brigadoon”.
Bundanoon is a comfortable 2 hours drive from Sydney, 1.5 hours from Canberra and the South Coast, which makes it the ideal location for travellers who just want to pop in for the day or for others who wish to stay and enjoy “Brigadoon” and the hospitality and culture of the Southern Highlands.
The gathering is a non-profit making, registered charity event that readily distributes the funds from the day to local charities and groups that assist the organisers in the administration of the gathering.
This annual event originally began in 1978 with the principal aim to raise funds for local charities and bring tourists to Bundanoon in particular and the Southern Highlands in general thereby benefiting local businesses, guesthouses and hotels. This idea has continued to the present day and makes it one of the most successful events staged in the area. Consequently from their humble beginning which began with a handful of pipe bands and spectators this gathering has grown to into one of the finest Highland Gatherings in Australia.
With such an influx of people coming into the Southern Highlands, local businesses and the hospitality trade in particular have thrived, there is hardly a room available anywhere and in most cases all accommodation is booked a year in advance.
“Brigadoon” begins with the sound of Bagpipes drifting across the village from first light in preparation for a day of celebration. All roads lead to Bundanoon or so it would seem as the village waits in anticipation, cars, coaches, bikes and the ever-faithful Heritage Express, Southern Aurora departs Central Station Bookings on 02 93791031, and the Federal City Express Train departs Canberra Bookings on 02 62842790 bringing the thriving throng of spectators preparing for a day of festivities.
The Street Parade starts at 9.30am and features some 20 Pipe Bands from all over the State accompanied by a large variety of decorated floats and marching Clan Societies. The parade makes their way some one kilometre to the Bundanoon Oval accompanied by the crowds of spectators.
The Opening Ceremony begins at 10.30am on the Oval and the Gathering is officially opened by the Chieftain of the Day.
Spectators are then treated to a spectacular Massed Pipes and Drums display of highland music, with up to 600 Bandsmen participating one has really got to be there to appreciate the sheer magic of the occasion. With the swirling of a myriad of coloured tartans and music that stirs the heart and makes you proud to wear the Kilt of your ancestors
At the Oval there are over 120 specialist stalls, selling everything imaginable, from Scottish pies to shortbread, from Clan memorabilia to souvenirs, with copious amounts of burgers, steaks and a variety of food promoting every nationality, even the Scots favourite “Haggis”
Everyone is made most welcome at the gathering and encouraged to participate in the “Traditional” and not so “traditional” games. The committee recognises this as a “The Ideal Family Day Outing” and encourages mass participation by spectators and especially the children. Spectators can try their luck at “Tossing the Caber”, “Shot Putt”, “Haggis Hurling”, Kilted Races”, “Egg Throwing” and Water Toss. There is also a Bonny Bairns highland dress competition for all the proud parents.
Throughout the day you can enjoy Highland and Scottish Country dance demonstrations, and for those who like to try something new you are cordially invited to join in. There are 30 Scottish Clans and Societies tents and they have their own area where many people make their way to enquire about their Scottish heritage and ancestry.
During the day at irregular intervals the Pipe Bands entertain the crowds with there own special individual styles of music and display marching. This being a non-competitive gathering the bands can relax and really enjoy themselves without the added pressure of being under the spotlight of judges.
One of the main events of the day is the display of strength by David Huxley, Australia’s world heavy events champion and his Tartan Warriors. These giants of men compete in a competition to lift the “Bundanoon Stones of Manhood”; there are 5 stones of incredible weight ranging from 100 to 165 kilograms. This really is a wonderful contest of speed, agility and strength.
As the day of festivities comes to and end and the closing ceremony approaches the crowd are once again treated to the spectacle of the Massed Pipes and Drums display which is followed by the lone piper and a closing address by the Chieftain.
Those diehard fanatics who wish to continue on in the Scottish mood can join in the Ceilidh held at the Bundanoon Soldiers Memorial Hall, bookings are essential and can be made on (02) 2443 6033.
The committee of the Bundanoon Highland Gathering ensures that it recognises the commitment of those local charities and groups who give countless hours of labour to the gathering by disbursing monies raised on the day on a proportional basis to each organisation.
Admission for 2009 is: Adults $18, Child $5, Family $40, (2 adults + 2 children)
Further information contact the Publicity Officer Alaistair on Phone/Answer (61 2) 4883 7471 or by Email at [email protected]
“This is Scotland” with a “wee” bit of “Aussie Flavour”
Date for the Diary 17 April 2010
It is with Great pleasure that the Bundanoon Highland gathering announce that Dr Frank Davidson has accepted our invitation to become the Chieftain of the Day for the 32nd Highland Gathering
Short Biography.
Dr Frank Sutherland Davidson, descended from pioneer families in the New England region of NSW, was born there in 1934 and brought up on Clermont Park, his father’s sheep property. He was educated at home and at the University of New England, from which he holds the degree of Ph.D. He worked initially as a secondary teacher of English and then as an academic in the University of Sydney, where he was a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Education.
In 1965 he married the Hungarian-born ballerina Suzanne Musitz, a foundation member of The Australian Ballet who as Suzanne Davidson was subsequently founder of what is now The Sydney Dance Company. They have two children and five grandchildren.
In 1984 he published a history of his family, The Davidsons of New England and in the same year founded the Clan Davidson Society in Australia, of which he continues to be president. He is also a writer, and as a playwright has several times had work performed in one-act play festivals.
Frank has been prominent in the Scottish-Australian community since the foundation of the Scottish Australian Heritage Council in 1981. Spurred by the fact that the Chiefship of Clan Davidson had lain dormant for nearly 80 years, Frank initiated an international search which in 1996 achieved Recognition by the Lord Lyon King of Arms, who rules in matters of clan precedence and protocol, of Duncan Davidson of Davidston, first of the renewed Clan Davidson chiefs.
The present Chief, Alister Davidson of Davidston, appointed Frank as High Commissioner for Clan Davidson in Australia in 2000. He has also been honoured by the Celtic Council of Australia with the award of C.y.C.
He was the elected president of the Scottish Australian Heritage Council from 2002 to 2006 and is currently its Deputy President.
