The 171st Lonach Highland Gathering & Games

Every August we try to attend the Lonach Highland Gathering and Games.

The Lonach Highland and Friendly Society was founded in 1823 by Sir Charles Forbes, 1st Baronet of Newe and Edinglassie (1773-1849). Membership is drawn from the inhabitants of Strathdon, who continue to fulfil the society's original mission of preserving Highland dress, the Gaelic tongue, and "supporting loyal, peaceful, and manly conduct; and the promotion of social and benevolent feelings among the inhabitants of the district."

Every year on the 4th Saturday in August the the Lonach Men march in full highland dress and fully armed to the Lonach Highland Games and Gathering which takes place in Bellabeg, Strathdon. At various points along the march the column stops for a dram of whiskey. The column is led by by the Lonach pipe band and by the patron of the Lonach Highland and Friendly Society, who is part of the Forbes clan.

Most of the men in Lonach are from the Forbes, Wallace and Gordon clans, each with their own distinctive tartans. These three gentleman are leading the contingent of Wallaces.