Highland Gathering

The first gathering of note occurred in 1875, in a field near the village of Luss. Apart from two unavoidable postponements during the first and second world wars, the games have taken place every year since. The gathering owes its existence to the collaboration of local sportsmen and farmers in the area.

In the early days the Gathering was, naturally, for the local people the great day of the year, and from the surrounding glens the farmers and shepherds would make their way to the village, not by the modern methods of today, but on foot, on horseback, in farmcarts or in carriages drawn by two or four horses. On arrival at the ground all vehicles were parked in a circle round the roped enclosure, therefore, the occupants had a comfortable seat and a good view of the sports field. Prices of admission were charged by number of horses.

Throughout the years the Gathering has remained relatively unchanged in character. Competitions in the skills of knitted socks and making shepherds crooks have been dropped but the traditional events of Tossing the Caber, Throwing the Hammer, Hill Races and many more have been retained; and no Highland Gathering would be complete without the skirl of the pipes and the colourful Highland Dancers.

From its inception the Luss Highland Gathering has been favoured by the patronage of the Clan Colquhoun, whose family residence is at Rossdhu in the parish of Luss. By tradition the Chief of the Clan Colquhoun shall be the Chieftain of the Luss Highland Gathering. The first was Sir James Colquhoun, followed by Sir Alan Colquhoun, who, in 1923 was succeeded by Sir Iain Colquhoun , Bart., K.T., D.S.O., LL.D., Lord Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire. Sir Iain, described as one of the most distinguished Scotsmen of his day, had a great love of Highland culture in every form. A memorial cairn erected in honour of Sir Iain stands at the entrance to the Games Field.

Sir Ivar Colquhoun, Bart., D.L.,J.P., was a worthy successor to his father, and from 1949 to 1982 was Chieftain. Sir Ivar, the 30th Chief of Luss and 32nd of Colquhoun, was the longest serving Clan Chief of Colquhoun, having succeeded to the title almost 60 years ago. From 1982 Gathering, Sir Ivar decided to retire and nominated his son, Malcolm Colquhoun, Younger of Luss, as Chieftain of the Games and also Patron of the Clan Colquhoun Society.

Sir Malcolm Colquhoun is now the 31st Chief of Luss Games and 33rd of the Clan Colquhoun.

Luss Village itself was for long known as "the prettiest village in Scotland" and even today manages to retain its charm and beauty in spite of the demands of tourism and the motor car. The setting for the Gathering is unmatched in the whole of Scotland, and we hope that you enjoy the Games, and go home with something to remember.