The Gigha Gallowglass Weekend

The unexpected can always be found on Scotland's islands (which is I suppose is a tautology, but there you go ).

Today's example of that truth was to be seen outside the village hall on Gigha where I had gone for a conversation with Lukas Lehmann, the Business Manger of the Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust about housing. He was hosting a visit by the Dawn Duellists , an Edinburgh society who were holding what they call their "Gigha Gallowglass" event. The term Gallowglass is most appropriate, meaning as it does a Norse / Gaelic warrior though some were dressed very differently - including the instructor (at the back of the photo) who could have stepped straight off the set of "Pirates of the Caribbean".

The hand in this blip is Lukas'. The sword was one of many beautiful items I was shown by a very friendly group of enthusiasts. I could have stayed and listened all afternoon. They were staying all weekend.