The 1999 Caledonian Club Scottish Highland Gathering & Games
A Feast of Swords, Dirks, Food and Fine Music

Article and Photographs by Adrian Ko

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This year, The Caledonian Club (www.caledonian.org) Scottish Highland Gathering & Games enjoyed its 135th year in a fabulous tradition reinforcing the spirit, culture and heritage of Scotland with a plethora of piping and drums, athletic games, music and dance, fine foods, birds of prey, and - best of all - swords and daggers!

The Gathering & Games was held over the Labor Day Weekend (September 2, 3) at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton California, where an estimated 3,000 enjoyed the rich atmosphere of authentic Scottish traditions.

This article is mainly an informal photo-documentary of the Games with special focus on historical Scottish weapons, plus several highlights that made the Games special.

Scottish Sword & Shield

SFMO was privileged to participate in an exclusive photo-opportunity with Patrick Tougher, owner of The Scottish Sword & Shield. His assortment included a series of not only custom-made dirks and swords but many fine historical swords that would most certainly bring a special air to anyone's collection of Scottish historical pieces.

We are also grateful to Pat for his wonderful assistance in our special article "The 1828/65/68 Pattern Highland Officers Basket Hilted Broadsword" written by Peter Busch!

Basket Hilted Sword Here's a wonderful piece, circa 1780, valued at around US$4,000.

Basket Hilted Swords An assortment of antique Scottish basket hilted swords.

Another Assortment of Basket Hilted Swords A glass shield (raised for purposes of photography) prevents onlookers from drooling onto the swords. An excellent rust-prevention scheme.

Scottish Dirk Antique Scottish Dirk with two utility knives in sheath.

Scottish Basket Hilted Sword Each Scottish basket hilted sword was a privilege to hold, having been in the hands of many across the generations.

Scottish Basket Hilted Sword Note the twin fullers on the blade, as well as those just fore of the basket hilt itself.

Scottish Military Sword This piece was simply amazing. It is an officer's sword of either the Highland Light Infantry or the Royal Scots Fasilies. Circa 1910-1936. The sword was exceptionally balanced and felt highly maneuverable.

Scottish Military Sword Here is the hilt of the sword. Pat mentioned that the regiment to which the sword belonged can be determined by observing the style of the ends of quillons. The hilt is wraped in ray skin, then with twisted wire.

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