Durban Caledonian Society Chief explain history of Fort Nottingham Games

THE Fort Nottingham Highland Gathering is a month away, where the calm quiet of a sleepy hamlet, the beautiful Fort Nottingham, will be awoken to the distinctive sounds of bagpipes, drums, marching bands and all things Scottish.

This time, the annual event that takes place in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands will fall on the Women’s Day holiday on Wednesday, August 9.

According to the chief of the Durban Caledonian Society and an avid attendee of the event, Graeme Fuller, Louise Fox, who now owns Fort Nottingham, inherited the tradition of these games from her late father, David Fox, who was the original founder.

“David appreciated, researched and published the History of the Fort. In celebration of the 150th Anniversary in 2005, he arranged a ceremony of reconciliation between the British Defence advisor, Brigadier David Keenan, and an elderly San gentleman, called Kerrick, at the fort. This was a great success. He encouraged David to organise more similar events, and so the concept of the Fort Nottingham Highland Games was born,” said Fuller.

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The Fort Nottingham Highland Gathering is typically a day of nostalgia, heritage and ancient tradition. All the rousing spectacle, athletic prowess and hauntingly beautiful music will be celebrated in abundance, with a contemporary family-friendly local twist. Fuller says that he has attended every Fort Nottingham Highland Gathering since the first in 2007.

“After the death of the founder, David Fox, Midlands Games were held at Michaelhouse in 2013 and 2014 only. The day includes traditional Scottish athletic field events, such as tossing the caber; tug-o’-war, walk the weight, the kilted mile; hammer throw; weight over the bar and stone put. The event also includes performances from pipe bands, Celtic dancers and a singer, and there are numerous craft and food stalls and various displays.”

Fuller says that he is mainly involved in organising the music and dancing for the event, which includes concert-style stage shows, marching-band performances and a massed-band display. The Durban Caledonian Society chief says the event is very important to the Scottish community.

“We are always pleased to see Scottish culture being appreciated and put on show to the public in KwaZulu-Natal.”

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This year, the public are welcome to join in the Kilted Mile, taking place at 10:30 – a mixed terrain run up a hill (and down again) for one mile. The wearing of kilts is encouraged but not compulsory! Runners can sign up on the day to join in. Numbers are limited, and tickets cost R100 to participate in the race, with all monies raised going to support local charities. The first 40 home in all categories receive a medal. The route is strewn with rocks, so sturdy shoes are essential.

Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome. For updated information, visit the Fort Nottingham Games social media pages on Facebook and Instagram. To pre-book your tickets, go to Quicket.

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