Scotland

Children's Literature - Leila Toledo

Scotland, one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom, has a colorful history and numerous festivals covering many aspects of Scottish culture are celebrated throughout the year. The Highland Games or the "Gathering of the Clan" as it is also called, keeps the traditions of Scotland alive. The games consist of Highland dancing, bagpipes and heavy event competition. Two main Highland dances, the Fling and the Sword dance are usually performed. Many young girls and boys compete in this event. In order to become proficient, a bagpipe player begins at an early age and continues throughout his life learning new ways of playing by meeting and talking with other pipers. A great deal of strength is necessary to participate in the heavy events. These events included: caber, similar to a tree trunk, which is picked up and tossed, and stone put, which is similar to the shot put. Other festival events include Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which is a bagpipe marching band. Both military and civilian bands perform at the festival at Edinburgh Castle. The outstanding photographs help you to visualize the music and precision marching drills of the bands. This event has the largest crowd of any of the Scottish festivals. Step by step instructions on how to make a Highlander tartan kilt and how to make Scottish Shortbread are included. This is part of the "Festivals of the World" series.