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Stirling Local History Society

Possible Victorian Callander Highland Games

14/10/2012

 
Picture
We have had an enquiry from Peter Klein about this wonderful photograph which he would like to know more about. He writes;

I know that the current Highland Games at Callander date back no further than 25 years or so, but I'm enquiring whether there were historically far earlier games held there, particularly during the mid-19th century? I have attached some scans of an old albumen photograph which, judging from the paper and materials, and the costume of the people shown in it, would appear to date from around 1860 to '70.
I know little about its provenance, other than that on the back is written in pencil: "A. Donaldson, Callander, by Stirling", just possibly the name of the photographer, or perhaps someone who ordered the photograph and was a bystander at the occasion. Looking at it closely, there is a blur of activity on a raised stage, for the most part caused by the exposure being so long - perhaps two to three seconds or more. Only one figure stands relatively still, and there appears perhaps to be a performance of highland dancing. There is a grandstand behind, decorated with flags and greenery, and the local gentry sit out in the front row to watch the proceedings. Tents and stalls are scattered about, and there must be several hundred people in the picture.
I am wondering whether anyone locally might recognize this occasion from similar pictures taken at the time, or the location in which it might have been held - possibly the park or grounds of a big house. If you happen to know of anyone who is knowledgeable about similar local events and has a particular interest in them, I would be delighted too hear from them.


SLHS continues;

If you do recognise the scene (or, indeed, the photo itself) or have ideas about who A Donaldson' do get in touch; you can email us at enquire@stirling-lhs.org or post a comment below this blog entry.

More generally, when did Highland Games start in Callander? I have heard, recently, of some on Perthshire around 1820 (very early). My first thought on how to check further would be through the columns of the local press. But other thoughts would be very welcome - as would all offers of help.



Peter Klein
15/10/2012 01:39:59

No sooner had I posed my questions about this picture, I explored your excellent website, and came upon a posting from March this year drawing attention to the invaluable resource of the Post Office Directories put online by the National Library of Scotland. Here I found Andrew Donaldson, a photographer in Callander, in Duncan and Jamieson's Stirling Directory for 1872/73 - so he indeed appears to be the taker of this picture, and the date seems about right. Thank you, SLHS! Now all I need to know is where this was taken, and what was the event? Any help most gratefully received!
PK

Jane Petrie link
31/10/2012 13:13:46

I can't comment on the image above, but if anyone's interested in the topic generally, Stirling Council Archive has pictures of Callander Highland Games in the Archibald McLaren collection - tossing the caber, the high jump, wrestling and (amusingly) the band race are all captured. The photographs/glass plates are roughly 1890-1900, and it's a really fantastic collection of amazing images.

Peter Klein
31/10/2012 15:16:33

Many thanks, Jane - I shall indeed check this out. This picture is just a little earlier, but there may well be something in their collection. I'll report back.


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