A wee bit of Scotland was brought to the heart of Armadale last Sunday, when Minnawarra Park was transformed into the Scottish-themed Armadale Highland Gathering and Perth Kilt Run.
Around 20,000 people enjoyed the festivities, as the city held its annual celebration of all things Scottish at the unique family friendly event.
City of Armadale mayor Ruth Butterfield said it was fantastic to see the large enthusiastic crowd enjoying the events, which included a massed pipe band procession, haggis, Scotty dog agility demonstrations and traditional heavy events.
“This year, even with the threat of terrible weather, we had our highest number of participants in the Perth Kilt Run bringing us a step closer to vying for the world record attempt,” she said.
“It was great to see so many people, including families, dressing up for the run.
“A personal highlight was seeing the imaginative entries for the Loch Ness Monster Upcycle Schools Challenge.
“This is the city’s community arts initiative aimed at engaging local schools in a creative recycling project as part of our Armadale Highland Gathering.”
The winners for the challenge included Armadale Primary School for the Primary School Loch Ness Monster Award and People’s Choice Award, Salvado Catholic College for the Secondary School Loch Mess Monster Award, and Armadale Primary School was also awarded the People’s Choice Award.
“Following the Perth Kilt Run, festival goers experienced Scottish arts and crafts, highland dancing and pipe band competitions, amongst a range of other events such as the medieval fair and the opportunity to delve into Scottish heritage at the clan village, and enjoy a variety of performances of live music and Ceilidh dancing,” Ms Butterfield said.
“The Armadale Highland Gathering and the Perth Kilt Run is steered by a dedicated committee of volunteers who help to present the different areas to create the largest Scottish-themed event in Western Australia.
“It’s terrific to see the dedication and hard work of the volunteers rewarded by such a successful day.”
Photographs – Richard Polden
