Aberdeen Highland Games will be held this Saturday, 7 July 2018 at Jefferson Park, New England Highway, Aberdeen. Gates open at 8am and the Grand Parade is at 9am followed by the opening ceremony, mass band salute and Inspection of Clans and Bands.

Next is the address by the Chieftain of the Day which this year is Dr ‘Wej’ Paradice who grew up in Scone and is a long-time, and much loved resident of the region.

More grandeur follows with the Australian Federation Guard Precision Drill Team, highland and country dancing, more pipe band displays, and the always popular Tartan Warrior's Strong Man Competition, including sheaf and caber toss.

Other great tests of strength and skill will be on display with the tug of war, kilted dash, potato sack and the egg and spoon races. Many come along dressed up in their best tartan finery and there are competitions for the best dressed laddie and lassie and even a best dressed pet category.

Don’t miss the 4pm Massed Pipe Band Presentation of trophies, the magnificent marching of the closing ceremony and the Lone Piper.

On the Friday before the Games is the Tartan Golf Day hosted by the Aberdeen Ladies Golf.

On the Friday evening at the Muswellbrook RSL Club is the Ceilidh Band: Hills District Pipe band and the Australian Federation Guard - it should be very entertaining.

Saturday 7 July, 6.00pm at Aberdeen RSL and Citizens Club is the Quintet Competition for Pipe Bands run in conjunction by the NSW PBA and the Newcastle City Pipe Band. Meals and a courtesy bus available. Also on Saturday at 6.30pm, a traditional Ceilidh will be held at the Multi-Purpose Centre, Scone High School.

Sunday 8 July is the Kirkin' of the Tartan Service at 10.30am held at St Marks Church, Moray Street, Aberdeen. This will be followed by a morning tea in the Church Hall - all welcome.

I would like to thank all sponsors; without the sponsors this event would not happen.

This is the 19th Annual Aberdeen Highland Games, so ‘march up’ to a wonderful weekend in Aberdeen.