The first Mey Highland Games was held in the village of Mey in 1970 to celebrate the late Queen Mother’s 70th birthday. She declared the event a huge success and encouraged the organisers to make it an annual event. As a result the Mey Highland Games takes place every year a few miles down same road as Celtic Lodges, this road being of course the NC500.
The Mey Highland Games is an annual sporting event held in Caithness, Scotland. Traditionally taking place on the first Saturday of August, the Mey Games is one of the most inclusive Highland Games in the world, with Open, Ladies and Adaptive events.
Once again King Charles made an appearance at the 2024 Mey Highland Games in Scotland which was held on Saturday August 3rd and attracted a record number of competitors. The King braved the Scottish rain to attend the event which was held in the village of John O’Groats after arriving earlier in the week.
He was staying at the Castle of Mey which was home to his grandmother Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother for many years. The castle is located 2 miles away from Celtic Lodges between us and where the games are held, all three are located directly on the NC500.
King Charles spends time alone at his favourite Scottish residence the Castle of Mey every year before joining the rest of the Royal Family on the Balmoral estate for their annual summer holiday.
King Charles who is chieftain of the Mey Highland Games, wore a traditional kilt with a smart jacket, buttoned up waistcoat and tie, and woollen socks pulled up just below the knee. This being the standard traditional dress for men in Scotland.
His Majesty appeared very relaxed and took time to wave and shake hands with members of the public, something that the King likes to do at events in Scotland. He always makes sure to meet as many people in the local areas where he is visiting and learn as much about them as possible. Meeting the public is something that the King loves to do.
The King was seated in the front row of the marquee to escape the rain whilst sampling a wee dram of locally distilled Scotch whisky. He watched the 2024 Mey Highland Games which included the traditional tug of war and tossing the caber, a game that involves participants carrying and throwing a long, heavy tree trunk with the aim of flipping it end over end.
You can see the organisers website by clicking here.
