BRUSH up on your Scottish brogue and lay out your best tartan – it’s time to get ready for the second annual Highland Gathering at Callington Park, Oatlands, on Saturday, March 21.
In just its second year the gathering has already grown in size and importance, this year playing host to Tasmania’s Pipe Band Championships, according to one of the the gathering’s local facilitators, and deputy general manager of the Southern Midlands Council, Andrew Benson.
Together with his motivated “brains trust”, Pipe Bands Tasmania deputy chair Tony Coen OAM, and Callington Distillery general manager Rizk Mawass, this year they have attracted seven bands including one from Victoria. Add to that up to 60 highland dancers from all corners of Tasmania taking to the stage with their skilful flings and traditional moves, and the inclusion of the Army Reserve’s Royal Tasmania Regiment cavalry, and you have a (Scottish) recipe for success.
The official party will include chieftain and representative of the British Consulate in Tasmania, honorary consul Frank McGregor, local ambassador Ian Johnson and Southern Midlands Council deputy mayor Karen Dudgeon.
“We were really buoyed by the number of people who came along last year, it told us that this type of event is what families want – it’s about our Celtic ancestry, it’s very much about the history of this charming heritage village of Oatlands, but it’s mostly about a really interesting and great day out,” Andrew said.
“As the stirring drone of the pipes and the steady drumming beats of the bands parade along Oatlands’ wonderfully wide sandstone-building lined High St, we can be transported back in time to the marching of the old military regiments to and from the barracks.”
True to traditional highland gatherings, the Oatlands version will also include highland games like barrel racing and sheaf tossing, with no shortage of traditional and not-so-traditional Celtic food and drinks. The fun will continue when the West Highland Terriers dash across the grounds, vying for victory as the fastest canine on the day.
Andrew said the 2026 event promises a vibrant atmosphere with end-to-end entertainment for the whole family, and “while it may not quite measure up to the grandeur of Scotland’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, we think everyone will find that same magic right here in our own backyard. It’s always great to see locals and visitors dressing up for the day, fully immersed in the festivities, after all, in Oatlands, the more tartan, the better!”
Details:
• When: Saturday, March 21, 10am-4pm (kicks off with the High St parade)
• Where: Callington Park, Oatlands
• Cost: Free
ALLISON HICKS
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