Check out Aberdeen during Tartan Week
21/07/11
The final preparations for Aberdeen's Tartan Week are under way.
A fantastic range of events has been lined up including a massed pipe band parade, the Wallace 700 ceremony, historic re-enactments, traditional music, a local history fair and celebrity guest appearances.
Aberdeen City Council's events organiser Kenny Luke said: "Originally, the city's celebration of all things Scottish was held on one day - Tartan Day, then it became a weekend and now this year we are delighted to be able to offer a week of events and activities that people of all ages can enjoy.
"The culmination of the week is of course Tartan Day [Saturday 30 July], when the city really comes alive with so many amazing performers, shows, displays and of course the parade.
"Aberdeen International Youth Festival has teamed up with the council to host their exciting Festival in the City on Tartan Day so there will be a real carnival atmosphere."
Aberdeen's Tartan Week includes events organised by Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council to commemorate the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Harlaw, a Scottish clan battle fought on 24 July 1411, just north of Inverurie, Aberdeenshire.
The organisers of Aberdeen's Tartan Week would like to extend a warm welcome to all Clans visiting Aberdeen to remember the anniversary of the Battle of Harlaw, in particular, Clan Leslie of whom more than 40 representatives are expected to come to the city during the week. Sir Andrew Leslie of Balquhain, commander of the cavalry under the Earl of Mar, lost six sons at the battle along with many other Leslies.
Anniversary of the Battle of Harlaw exhibition
Friday 22 July – Sunday 31 July
Aberdeen Art Gallery, Schoolhill
Tue - Sat 10am - 5pm
Sun – 2pm - 5pm
Closed Monday
Free
To mark the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Harlaw, the gallery will play host to a magnificent model of the battle site, created by Aberdeen Wargames Club.
Battle of Harlaw wargame
10am - 5pm, Saturday 23 July
Aberdeen Art Gallery
Members of Aberdeen Wargames Club will split in to two teams; those of the Highland and Island army under Donald, Lord of the Isles and the other representing the Lowland and East Scotland army supporters of the Earl of Mar, to recreate what was one of the bloodiest battles of the medieval period.
Battle of Harlaw Commemoration
11am, Sunday 24 July
Kirk of St Nicholas, Union Street
The Lord Provost of Aberdeen and the Provost of Aberdeenshire Bill Howatson will attend a commemorative service at the Kirk of St Nicholas. The Lord Provost and Provost will visit the site of the Battle of Harlaw Monument, Chapel of Garioch, near Inverurie at 1.30pm to lay wreaths following the official ceremony. This service is for invited guests only. The site will be open to the general public at 3pm so they can view the new interpretation panel.
Battle of Harlaw Ceilidh
8pm - 12pm, Tuesday 26 July
Centre Courtyard, The Academy Shopping Centre, Schoolhill
Free
Enjoy an evening of traditional Scottish music and dance at a Ceilidh to mark the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Harlaw. Under 18's will be permitted on the premises up until 8pm providing they are accompanied by an adult, seated at a table and purchased have been purchased. Children are welcome in the Main Bar only. Enigma follows a strict ID policy and will ask for identification if anyone looks under 21. They accept a passport or European photo card driver's licence.
Medieval night at the Duthie Park
6.30pm - 8.30pm, Thursday 28 July
Free
Join medieval re-enactment groups Crann Tara and Medievel Realm to get a flavour of what life was like in the 15th century. Free archery lessons will also be on offer.
Aberdeen Country Fair
9am - 5pm, Saturday 30 July
Belmont Street
This is a vibrant street market that showcases a variety of food and drink, arts and crafts from across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Enjoy a stroll through the market while experiencing Tartan Day. Pick up a special gift or some home grown vegetables for your Sunday dinner.
Family History event
10am - 4.30pm, Saturday 30 July
Union Square
Free
Experts from the Aberdeen and North East Scotland Ancestral Tourism Partnership will be on hand to help you kick start your family history research.
Tartan Day Parade
11am, Saturday 30 July
Union Street
Free
The parade is the main event of the week so it is not to be missed. See massed pipe bands perform along the route, followed by the members of the Aberdeen International Youth Festival, historical re-enactment group Crann Tara, members of the Wallace 700, and special guest, Aberdeen-born Graeme Garden, the well-known TV and radio personality and one third of the Goodies.
Come and Try Shinty Youth Festival
11am - 1pm, Saturday 30 July
King's College Playing Field, King Street
Free
Help celebrate the 150th anniversary of Scotland's oldest constituted shinty club. To celebrate its 150th anniversary, the University of Aberdeen's Shinty Club, will host the Co-operative Come & Try Shinty Youth Festival. The festival is aimed at boys and girls aged 10-14 years of age. Entry is free but registration in advance is required by telephoning 0845 6080935.
Battle of Harlaw re-enactment
12noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, Saturday 30 July
Tolbooth Museum, Castle Street
Free
Witness the re-enactment of the fear that caught Aberdeen in 1411 in the days leading up to the bloodiest battle ever fought in the north east. To the residents of Aberdeen at the time it seemed that Donald, Lord of the Isles was marching to Aberdeen to destroy it. Join the town magistrates as they try to explain to the people of what is happening and try to engage their support in against Donald's forces. Booking is not required.
Wallace 700
12.20pm -1.10pm, Saturday 30 July
Wallace Monument, Rosemount Viaduct
Free
The Wallace 700 celebration, which marks the martyrdom of Scots hero Sir William Wallace, will take place at the Wallace Monument at Rosemount Viaduct at 12.30pm. The Lord Provost of Aberdeen Peter Stephen will lead a wreath laying ceremony.
Doric Readings
12.30pm - 2.30pm, Saturday 30 July
St Nicholas Kirkyard, Schoolhill
Free
Enjoy some Doric readings by some well-known authors and performers including renowned author Diana Gabaldon, best known for her series of Outlander books which have sold more than 20 million copies worldwide. Torry-born Joyce Falconer, best known for her role as Roisin in River City, will also perform a selection of her own poems and songs.
Festival in the City
1pm - 4.30pm, Saturday 30 July
Venues throughout the city
Free
Aberdeen International Youth Festival brings a jam-packed schedule of performances including drumming, traditional music, song, cultural dance and street theatre to the city. Ten city-centre stages will showcase the best of the festival's international talent, alongside young Scottish performers in the streets and shopping centres in Aberdeen. The full range of entertainment on offer is suitable for all ages and tastes, so come along and the experience the festival buzz for free.
Aberdeen Strathspey & Reel Society
1pm - 2pm, Saturday 30 July
City centre locations
Free
Aberdeen Strathspey & Reel Society will perform a variety of traditional Scottish music in the city centre. The society's aim today is the same as it was when it was formed in 1928 and that is to preserve and encourage traditional Scottish music through practice and performance.
Tartan at the Terrace
1.30pm - 4.30pm, Saturday 30 July
Union Terrace Gardens
Free
After the parade enjoy music, comedy and dance performed by some of Scotland's finest entertainers from 1.30pm to 4pm at Union Terrace Gardens. Tartan at the Terrace will be headlined by Paul Anderson, regarded by many to be the finest Scots fiddler of his generation.
The Royal Scottish Country Dancing Association [RSCDA], acknowledged as the leading body for this expression of Scotland's rich cultural heritage will perform the premiere of the newly created Battle of Harlaw dance, to commemorate the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Harlaw.
Join members of historical re-enacment groups Crann Tara and Medieval Realm to discover what life was like in the 15th century when the Battle of Harlaw.
Braveheart Screening
1.30pm, Saturday 30 July
Belmont Cinema, Belmont Street
£6 Full Price / £4 Members
£5 Concessions / £4 Concessionary Members
Members £17 family ticket of 4
Cert 15, duration 3 hours
Actor David McKay, who starred in Braveheart along side Mel Gibson, will make a special guest appearance to introduce the screening in person.
Premier of 'Red Harlaw' play
2pm, 3pm, 4pm, Saturday 30 July
Kirk of St Nicholas, Union Street
Free
Edinburgh actor Allan Scott-Douglas is trading the bright lights of Las Vegas for Aberdeen to appear in Red Harlaw, a short play with music. Playwright Mike Gibb was commissioned to write the play by Aberdeen City Council to commemorate the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Harlaw.
Shinty Sutherland Cup Final
2.30pm, Saturday 30 July
King's College Playing Field, King Street
£10 Adults, £5 Concessions, under 12s Free
Witness Scotland's all action indigenous sport and see two of the country's top teams battle it out to win the Aberdein Considine Sutherland Cup. Tickets can be purchased at the ground on the day. For more information telephone (01463) 715931 or visit www.shinty.com
For more information or to download a copy of Aberdeen's Tartan Week visit www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/tartanday