For 64 years, North Carolina has held its annual Highland Games at Grandfather Mountain. Unfortunately, this year was much different. As we all know, COVID-19 affected the world in a major way. It caused businesses to shut down, flights to be canceled, and people to stay home. This included the Grandfather Highland Games. For the safety of workers, societies, and clans attending the games, it was decided to be canceled. But, this did not stop us from showing our clan pride!
Every year at the games each clan announces their presence in front of all the clans gathered. It was an old Scottish tradition done by the Chiefs of the clans at gatherings for war. This year, the Clan Baird could take part with Commander Richard Holman-Baird to represent us. For the first time in over 300 years, we had a leader to represent us. Yet, as we all know, this was unable to happen. But the Clan Baird is strong, and our unity is like no other. Despite this global pandemic, Clan Baird decided to go through with this ancient tradition. Commander Richard Holman-Baird and Branton Baird, Liaison to the Commander, created a video portraying this unique part of our heritage. Enjoy this short clip!
Not only were we able to go through with the announcing of our clan, one of our members was able to represent us at Grandfather Mountain in person! Ryan Ferguson, Clan Baird Society's Photographer, took a trip to North Carolina on June 29th, 2020 and stopped to visit the place of the games. She took photographs of the area and the views so those who never taken part this amazing place could experience it through her. Here are some photographs she has provided for us:
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| Grandfather Mountain ValleyThis is the valley that hosts our well known Highland Games |
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| View Atop Grandfather Mountain Here we see the scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains |
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| Ryan Ferguson Atop Grandfather Mountain's Peak |
Excellent work and photos! Bravo!!!!!
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