On the 19th September, the sound of drone and drum carried on the wind across our school grounds as part of our annual Lathallan School Mini Highland Games.
The day kicked off with a brilliant performance from the Lathallan School Pipe Band, followed by the introduction of our Chieftain for the afternoon, Scott Fraser. Scott brought extensive experience in traditional Scottish games to the role, serving as Honorary Vice President and Pipe Bands Convener of the Ballater Highland Games, Captain of the Monaltrie – Invercauld Highlanders, and representative for the Grampian Highland Games Association at the RSHGA. As a founding member of the StrathDee Tug o’ War Team and former Chairman and Secretary of the Ballater Charitable Chiels, his passion for Scottish heritage and community service made him a fitting leader for this year’s event.
Teams of young athletes from Lathallan Junior School and visiting primary schools put on a wonderful display of teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship across classic events like the Shot Put, Caber Toss, Sprint, Sack Race, Woodland Dash, and Tug o’ War.
Congratulations to all our competitors and trophy winners:
P4/P5 Team Competition Winners: Lathallan School
P6/P7 Team Competition Winners: Catterline Primary School
Tug o’ War Champions: Johnshaven Primary School
Running alongside the sports, the Lathallan Solos Piping & Drumming Competition 2026 was a ‘sell-out’ event featuring 120 performances from talented young musicians from across the region and beyond.
A distinguished panel of world-class judges evaluated the performances, including Snare World Solo Champion and former Lathallan winner Tommi McAndrew, UK Drumming Champion 2025 Lynsy Ogg, and World Champion piper Alec Sutherland. Every performer received valuable feedback to support their musical development.
Special congratulations to the Lathallan pupils who placed in their respective categories:
Isabella (S4): 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place
Kellan (S1): 1st place in Slow Airs
Skye (S2): 2nd and 3rd place
Lilian (S4): 2nd place in Marches
The afternoon also featured vibrant Highland Dancing performances from the Gordon School of Dancing, adding even more traditional flair to the event.
Attendees enjoyed delicious food and drink, explored various stalls, and took part in the Parents’ Association Hamper Raffle.
A massive thank you to the Lathallan Parents’ Association, Class Reps, Sports Department, Pipe Band team and tutors, judges, and all the behind-the-scenes volunteers who made the 2026 Mini Highland Games such a huge success.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back again next year!
Keen to enter a team for the 2027 event?
Schools, clubs and community groups are invited to enter a P4-5 age combined team, a P6-7 age combined team. Teams should consist of eight children each. Please contact office@lathallan.org.uk for more information.