This amateur record of the Braemar Gathering was made by James Cameron, one of the founders of the Newcastle & District Amateur Cinematographers Association. King George V, Queen Mary and Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) are amongst the thousands of spectators who cheer on traditional feats of strength in the Highland Games and highland dancing contests. Balmoral Highlanders, Duff Highlanders from the Mar Estate, and the Farqharsons from Invercauld Estate also march with...

This amateur record of the Braemar Gathering was made by James Cameron, one of the founders of the Newcastle & District Amateur Cinematographers Association. King George V, Queen Mary and Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) are amongst the thousands of spectators who cheer on traditional feats of strength in the Highland Games and highland dancing contests. Balmoral Highlanders, Duff Highlanders from the Mar Estate, and the Farqharsons from Invercauld Estate also march with pipes, drums and traditional weapons. It is believed that this film documents the September 1933 Braemar Gathering. Title: Braemar Highland Gathering General view of the Spittal Hotel, Cairngorm mountains in the background. Three fashionably dressed young women wait on a lane, several cars parked nearby. Panoramic shot of the Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park, a mass of cars, charabancs and people on the hillside surrounding the arena where the Games take place. People are making their way down the hillside to the arena. A massed pipe and drummer band march through the arena to open the Highland Games. General view of four Highland dancers on a small stage taking part in a competition. The next sequence records some of the sports contests at the Games. A men’s sprint race takes place, contestants racing to the finish line. A comical men’s sack race is run. A long distance race is in progress. A shot putter makes a throw and umpires in kilts consult about scores. Kilted competitors swing and toss stones (like shot put). Portrait shot of three burly contestants, the man in the middle with his arms draped over the other two. Title: Arrival of Royal Party Two royal cars arrive at the arena and guests are greeted. The Royal carriage, driven and escorted by white horses, arrives. King George V and Queen Mary alight from the carriage along with the 7-year-old Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II). They are greeted by various Scottish dignitaries, including Lieutenant-Colonel Farqharson. Amongst the royal party were the Duke and Duchess of York, Prince and Princess Arthur of Connaught, and possibly the Archbishop of Canterbury. A march past of the Clansmen takes place. Children perform traditional highland dancing on the small stage, several other male performers enjoying the dance. Shot of the Queen and party standing in the Royal Pavilion. Further shots record girls taking part on stage in the highland dance competitions, a boy in full tartan regalia with sporran warming up near the stage. A piper is practising. Group portrait of other girl contestants seated on the grass around the stage, awaiting their turn. Two women and two children perform a jig on stage. Back to a portrait shot of three burly contestants, the man in the middle with his arms draped over the other two. Further shots of the two women and two children performing, very balletic, watched by other contestants. Title: Clansmen march past A final grand parade around the sports arena takes place led by drummers and pipers, including the Balmoral Highlanders, Duffs and the Farqharsons (from Invercauld Estate). The clansmen carry traditional weapons such as Lochaber axes and pikes. Queen Mary watches from the Royal Pavilion. The film closes with a panoramic view of the Princess Royal Park, packed with spectators and cradled in the mountains around Braemar.