Kilts and Corks Scottish-Australian Fusion at Hunter Valley Highland Games
- Liane Morris
- Jul 15, 2024
- 6 min read
The Hunter Valley Highland Games, a brainchild of Scottish- born vigneron Russell Leslie of Saltire Estate, is a family-oriented community event that celebrates Scottish traditions deeply rooted in the history of the Hunter Valley. This gathering of the clans ‘Down Under’ is not just an action-packed event but a warm invitation to everyone to be part of a unique and inclusive experience.
Hunter Valley history is well-steeped in Scottish heritage. The Hunter Valley itself is named after Scotsman Captain John Hunter, who was a Governor of New South Wales and was responsible for much of the early exploration and governance of the region, but perhaps most influential of all, was another Scotsman, John Busby and his family.
It was Busby who originally settled at Lower Belford and established the first vineyard. His son, James, travelled to Europe and returned, planting 500 vine cuttings in the 1830s, establishing the foundations of the Australian wine industry. Even the city of Cessnock is named after Cessnock Castle in Ayrshire, Scotland.
Vigneron and ex-investment banker Russell Leslie is a very proud Scotsman. Born just north of Edinburgh in Dunfermline, he grew up and married an Australian from outback Queensland and chose to live in Sydney. The family purchased property in the Hunter Valley in the 1990s, but it was in 2006 that Saltire Estate was established on land that was originally part of the much larger George Hunter Estate founded in the 1970s by restaurateur Oliver Shaul.
Mr Leslie’s Scottish heritage is most apparent in the name he chose to give his winery, Saltire, which is the name for the distinctive blue and white Scottish flag.
“When we were naming the estate, we looked at Scottish names and words, and they were all trademarked, said Mr Leslie. “Saint Andrew’s Cross or the saltire is a white diagonal cross on a flag – not necessarily just the Scottish flag – Jamaica has one too, but it’s become synonymous with Scotland, sitting on a blue background and symbolising Scotland’s heritage and identity, honouring Saint Andrew’s legacy. We’ve adopted it as part of our brand, but the connection between our winery and Scotland runs much deeper than that.
“We also use traditional Scottish winemaking practices that include traditional yeast strains and aging techniques highlighting the robust flavours and structure synonymous with Scottish brews. We marry these traditions with respect and a deep understanding of the natural terroir of our land, creating wines that perfectly express the combination of the Australian landscape with the history and heritage of Scotland.”
The wines of Saltire Estate include the Legends Range - 5-star rated premium wines that are connected to Scottish Legends such as the Wulver Shiraz, Unicorn Moscato, Selkie Semillon and the Will O’ Wisp Prosecco. Another notable mention is the Rosé. Part of the organic range, it is lightly infused with local botanicals, giving a nod to Scottish floral emblems while embracing the fresh, vibrant character of the Saltire Estate vineyards.
According to the 2021 Australian census, over 130,000 Scottish-born people live in Australia, whilst a staggering 2.2 million claim Scottish ancestry. There were Scots on the First Fleet, and by the 1850s, there were already over 90,000 Scottish immigrants due to the Highland Potato Famine, Highland Clearances, Lowland Clearances, and the Australian Gold Rush. With so many connections to Scotland, it’s no surprise that a community event based on the Highland Games would be popular.
The roots of the Highland Games trace back to the 11th century when the first recorded reference is related to a race up Craig Choinnich near Braemar, where messengers competed to find the fastest runner. Over time, the Games emerged as a platform for testing endurance and strength while showcasing the artistic flair of dance and music to esteemed clan chiefs, kings, and queens. Today, the most famous event is the Braemar Highland Gathering, held near Balmoral in September every year. It attracts the royal family, vast crowds, and competitors from across the globe.
“Establishing our own Highland Games here in the Hunter Valley, where the Scottish heritage runs so deep, is a way to honour that legacy and to support the Scottish community. It’s a way to unite us all in a cultural celebration that embraces the Scottish way of life.
“It’s also a way to showcase the uniquely Scottish forms of music, dance and athleticism to younger audiences and perhaps to encourage them to consider engaging more directly. Many of the pipe bands struggle for recognition and funding, for example, and this is a way to support them. It’s also a good feeling to be able to offer prize money for the athletes who have to train hard to compete.
“It’s an exciting time for the clans, many of whom hold stalls at the Games. There’s lots of Scottish food such as haggis, black pudding, Scotch pies, fudge, Edinburgh Rock. People bring picnics and enjoy wine tastings; there’s a lot happening! And then there’s the athletes – the exhilaration of the caber tossing, the tug of war and lots more.”
Saltire Estate is the ideal location for the Hunter Valley Highland Games, situated as it is just off the Hunter Expressway and blessed with plenty of wide, open spaces perfect for large clan gatherings. The Games are playing host to the National Highlander Championship, where both men and women compete in traditional Scottish Highland events featuring displays of in-human strength and precise technical skill. Come ready to be impressed by awe-inspiring feats of tenacity and grit. Watch as competitors push themselves in classic displays of strength, such as Caber Toss, Stones of Strength, Husafell Stone Carry and much more.
Perhaps the most evocative of Scotland is the sound of the bagpipes – nothing stirs Scots pride and spirit more. Take a moment and listen to the phenomenal tunes of the Scottish pipe bands, echoing through the event as the day progresses. Marvel at the captivating finesse of the flourishing drum majors and feel the bellowing sounds of the pipes as the bands compete in the National Small Pipes Championship, the Quintet Competition, and the Drum Major Flourish Competition.
This is a family event, and the little ones are well catered for with face painting, jumping castles, Celtic arts and crafts, and Highland cows to view with delight. There are food trucks featuring traditional and authentic Scottish cuisine as well as classic festival meals.
It’s advisable to wear comfortable shoes, clothing that can cope with changeable weather and to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a water bottle and some cash as not all vendors will have eftpos facilities.
The Hunter Valley Highland Games are held on Saturday, 24 August, 9.30am to 4pm at Saltire Estate, 113 Wilderness Road, Lovedale, just two hours from Sydney and less than an hour from Newcastle. Make a weekend of it and stay overnight at any of the many accommodation providers in the area, or take advantage of the transport providers offering tours; details are on the website at www.huntervalleyhighlandgames.com.au.
The event is dog-friendly, and there is some seating, but you can bring your own. Parking is available on the property, and it will take place regardless of the weather. BYO alcohol is not permitted, but the event is licenced, and wine tastings will be available throughout the day. Tickets can be purchased online for just $15 for adults, $10 concession, $5 for under 18s and free for under 5s.
“The Hunter Valley Highland Games represents a tradition of cultural exchange and community building,” said Mr Leslie.
"We pride ourselves on creating a space where everyone can experience and enjoy the cultural richness of Scotland through traditional sports, foods, music, and arts."
“We’re committed to expanding the scale and variety of events, from introducing new athletic competitions to including more diverse forms of Scottish entertainment like folk singing and storytelling sessions, even re-enactments. Come along and support the Hunter and our Scottish heritage. Enjoy a taste of Scotland plus our wine tastings. It’s a great atmosphere, a fun, inexpensive, family day out, and everyone is welcome.”
If you’re new to the Games, don’t miss the highlights:
OPENING CEREMONY – held at 11.30am sharp and featuring a parade led by traditional bagpipers.
CABER TOSS – possibly one of the most well-known Highland Games activities and one not to miss. Watch athletes throw large, heavy logs as accurately as possible.
HIGHLAND DANCING - skilled dancers perform historic routines that are a cornerstone of Scottish culture.
STONES OF STRENGTH – watch in awe as athletes lift five stones of increasing size and weight.
TUG O’ WAR – which team will win as they battle it out in this classic showdown of teamwork and strength.
HUSAFELL STONE CARRY – another feat of strength as athletes carry a large stone as far as possible, showcasing pure determination and grit.
PIPE BANDS – if you love the sound of bagpipes, you’ll feel right at home as you enjoy continuous performances by various pipe bands, filling the event with the mesmerising sounds of Scotland.
HIGHLAND COWS – these adorable long-fringed cows on display for all ages are a quintessential Highland experience.
CULTURAL TENTS – filled with crafts, history, activities, and stories of Scottish heritage. Watch craftsmen such as blacksmithing or weaving and make your own souvenir. Immerse yourself in Scottish culture.
