Hay celebrates Scottish culture

Convener of the inaugural Hayland Gathering, Kylie Kerr (front right) and her brother, Douglas (Dougie) McFarland leading her group of Highland dancing students in the parade on Saturday morning.

The sun shone brightly in Hay as the inaugural Hayland Gathering showcased everything that is great about Scottish Culture and the local community.

The parade along Moppett, Pine and Morgan Streets to Hay Oval saw a flash of colour with various tartans. Leeton Pipe Band, Ambulance Victoria PB and Golden City Bendigo filled the town with the glorious sound of bagpipes, led by the Official Piper, Athol Chalmers.

A bagpipe rendition of ‘Cock o’ the North’ could be heard as the march began.

Clans showed off their pride in their heritage and a special event for Hay was the reformation of Hay Marching Girls. Trained by Margaret Bisset and shining with three generations - Sue and Kylie Brettschneider and Emily Caughey.

The Hayland Gathering was declared open by the Chieftain, Gayl Munn, who was chosen because of her dedication to Hay.

Verity Auldist was outstanding as emcee. Local youth were included, with Joseph Wilson and Emma Johnston welcoming to Country, and Roree Moorhouse singing the National Anthem.

Convener, Kylie Kerr said she was absolutely thrilled with the event and grateful to all who made it happen.

“Visitors often commented how friendly and welcoming our town is,” she said.

“The support of our Mayor has been apparent since the inception of this event, reflected in her speech, along with Councillor Jenny Dwyer.”

Chieftain Gayle Munn paid a fitting tribute to Kylie Kerr whose tenacity and determination made the event happen, the Hayland Gathering Working Party, Hay Shire Council and the local tourism team of Liz Moorhouse, Gaylene Stephens and Ali McLean.

The experiences were endless. Haggis and other traditional Scottish delights were on offer, and a range of Scottish wares were available for purchase, including a lovely sporran, your clan crest, a variety of tea and sweets, a Scottish tablet, your clan’s tartan or a sgian dubh to wear as part of a highlandwear outfit.

Amie Brulee and Graeme McColgan of ‘Auld Alliance’ were delighting the crowd with double bass and ukulele respectively, proclaiming that ukulele was one of the happiest instruments in the world. They also played a large role at the Ceilidh.

Many stalls were exhibiting their clans, with Carol Davis and other representatives of the MacLennan Clan in attendance. Carol is festival coordinator of Melbourne Tartan Festival, as well as one of the key founders and Chairman of Victorian Scottish Heritage Cultural Foundation.

“We love the sense and feeling of being a part of it all,” Carol said. “You can sell any of the things that are here today anywhere. It’s not about that. It’s about showcasing our culture, and giving our support.”

Hay Junior Magpies manned the barbecue, Cricket Club, Scouts and Guides kept everyone hydrated and Hay Lions and Whipper Snippers provided snacks. A delicious Devonshire tea was served by CWA.

Riverina Highland Dancing Titles attracted participants from throughout NSW, ACT, Victoria and SA who performed traditional highland dances including the Highland Fling, Sword Dance and the Scottish version of the Irish Jig.

Judges were Kerry Grosser from WA and Donna Chalmers from ACT. Dancers won trophies named in honour of the dancing families of Hay, as well as other dancing people from around Australia.

Seven local dancers competed with four taking home prizes; Grace Auldist with a second place trophy and Ariana Meads with a fourth medal and third trophy in the Beginners section, Sophie Cannon, Paigan Gee and Lachlan Kerr danced well in hard groups, but for their first Beginners comp, they shone.

Euen Kerr won a second and fourth placing and Elsbeth Kerr placed second overall in the Restricted Premier Title with a second and two fourths. Their teacher Kylie Kerr was proud of each of them.

The Premier Dancer of the Day was Alice Gill from the Lyons Studio in Melbourne.

Alice is one of the world's top dancers, placing sixth in the 2022 World Championships.

A special performance by World Highland Dancing Championship runner-up, Morven Johnston from Perth showed her grace and skill as a dancer, and she wowed the 200 strong crowd at the ceilidh with her beautiful choreography. Highland Muscle with 20 athletes were a crowd pleaser with their caber toss, hammer throw and heavy stone putting.

The Ceilidh at Hay Services Club was a roaring success, thanks to the enthusiasm and organisation of Brett Boulton and Will Miller, along with the delicious food prepared by Bev McRae and her team.

The shopfront window display, judged by out-of-town visitors was won by Margaret Bisset of Centrespot Flower. Piper Athol Chalmers played at her shop on Saturday morning.

The Golf Tournament was won by Tom Lugsdin and Clinton Taylor, with Neil Headon and Darren McCarthy in second place and Doidge and Jason Ragg third.

The shortbread competition, organised by CWA, was won by Ethel O'Donnell and Lincoln Nelson. The competition was judged by Liz Gibson.

Entertainment through the day was provided by Sing Australia and Ukulele Scotsman.

At the ceilidh the full house was entertained by Ukulele Scotsman with guests enjoying ceilidh dancing, as well as fireworks.