Brave Events and The BLS Highland Games Lochearnhead

Little Briar in Spring 2012

Spring is long gone. Funny to think back to these 22 degree hot sunny days in March when there was still snow on Ben Vorlich and Stuch a Chroin opposite. April and May teased us with scorching days when Fraser and I swam in Loch Earn. The barometer on the summer house read 35 degrees (sorry no photos of us in our swimsuits!)

We witnessed an amazing event on Loch Earn during Jubilee weekend 2nd and 4th June. The British Water Ski Racing Championships. Water Skiers were pulled at up to 110 miles per hour around a course with life jackets and crash helmets by formula 1, 2, and 3 power boats. Incredible! Lets hope they return next year.

The Lochearnhead Water Sports centre was the perfect venue to host the event and the evening entertainment on 4th June.  See my video of a boat warming up the day before and you will appreciate the speed! There is also some footage live from one of the teams here on You Tube. If you are more into fun and leisure water sports then look out for the giant  doughnut ride, banana boat, pedaloes, kayaks and water zorbing balls.  You can also hire a 4 man motor boat to take for a pleasure cruise or for trout fishing.  There is a kiddies soft play area inside the cafe and a sand pit made from a rowing boat flying the skull and cross bones.  Sit inside the cafe or outside and watch activities or feed the greedy local mallards.

The 19th Lochearnhead Shears, sheep shearing competition will take place in the Lochearnhead Games Field 30 June-2nd July 2012.  An incredible display of skill and strength, speed and accuracy and well worth  witnessing even once.  Then we prepare for the traditional BLS Highland Games in Lochearnhead on 21st July. This year the chief of The McNabs will lead the parade with his clan followed by local clans McLaren, McGregor, Stewart and Campbell who will also do battle against each other in the  tug of war.  A great day out for all the family with open heavyweight events as well as; local fun races, a hill race, dancers, pipers and popular band Pure Malt perforning in the beer tent.  Luxury Briar Steading is already booked however Little Briar cottage is available 21st -28th July.

August sees the launch of Disney Pixars cartoon Brave. Having seen the adorable Brave trailer with voice overs by Kelly MacDonald, Billy Connolly and Robbie Coltrane amongst others you might think that the story was based on the ancient clansmen from the territories around Loch Earn where we still boast; local clan chiefs, naturally beautiful mountains and glens, ancient forests, folklore stories, castles, standing stones, an abundance of wildlife,  a sense of humour and some smart and feisty females.  Come to the BLS Highland Games 21st July, Lochearnhead and see for yourself!