It’s time for a fling

Photo: JASON OXENHAM

PREPARED: Highland Games committee member Tom Shiels, left, and president Charlie MacLeod are ready for the games.

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It’s time to brush off the tartan and hang out with the clan at the Auckland Highland Games.

Now in their 34th year, the games feature Highland dancing, pipe bands, caber tossing and Highland cattle.

Games president Charlie MacLeod says new attractions include west Highland terrier dogs dressed in tartan and Scottish gourmet food.

He says the strong man competition is popular and people can enter on the day.

"It’s a real family day with events for everybody," he says.

Auckland mayor John Banks will open the event on November 28 at Three Kings Reserve.

Mr MacLeod says between 8000 and 10,000 people attend the free event every year and about 25 Scottish clans are on hand. Festivities run from 11am to 5pm.

- © Fairfax NZ News