Somewhere north of big cities such as the commercial capital Glasgow & the majestic political capital, Edinburgh, lie the highland hills of Scotland, where I was privileged to explore a bit in September. The topography changes and in the valleys at this higher altitudes one finds fields of heather--light purple or lilac-colored, on close inspection.From a distance these hills seem a reddish brown-- it's heather, growing like clover or small flowers all over!
Each year thousands of visitors & regular "sports" fans join Queen Elizabeth II in her yearly stay in the highlands. They throng to watch the games in the arena at the "Braemar Gathering" (in Braemar!), near Her Majesty's Scottish home which was built during the reign of Queen Victoria, Balmoral Castle.
I never before realized how normal it can be for men to wear skirts (unless you're in a re-enactment of Brave Heart battles!). And they can be, well... very attractive. Similar in my mind to a track and field event, there are several things happening on the field at the same time. 
And in the background are always the tunes of pipe bands or lone pipers.
The "heavies" (sponsored by the Glenfiddich Scottish malt company) is the section where muscular men do weight-lifting events such as the caber toss & hammer throw. Kim was really observant and introduced herself to this young man, guessing his name (he & his MacLeod brother had taken so many prizes!!).
The caber toss is when a large pole of about 20 feet must be flipped end-over -end once. Not easy!
At the same time, dainty maids and lads dance the irish jig or a scottish sword dance on a medium-sized stage, judged by others, also wearing a tartan plaid.
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