Photos: Highlands under the Helderbergs

The Enterprise — Michael Koff

Both brawn and color at the Scottish games displayed the cultural pride of Scotland, as well as its neighbor, Ireland, as dancers in red and white checkered skirts were airborne on the infield. The Helderberg escarpment in the background occupies a similar place in this region as the Scottish Highlands across the ocean — sparsely populated and rough terrain with a history of tensions between landlords and tenant farmers.

The Enterprise — Michael Koff

With a great deal of pomp, a Shetland sheepdog matched the stride of his fellow clan members wearing Scottish garb this past weekend during the Capital District Scottish Games at the Altamont fairgrounds. The groups of shared identity marched for an audience, some waving traditional flags and crests, amid a chorus of bagpipes.

 

The Enterprise — Michael Koff

The opening parade of the Scottish Games followed the Schenectady Pipe Band and a drummer who twirled her mallet as she played.

The Enterprise — Michael Koff

Competitions: Lacy Johnson of Noank, Connecticut, threw fiercely for a distance event in the athletic games.

The Enterprise — Marcello Iaia

Drones and tones: Among the many musicians gathered in Altamont over the weekend, two men played bagpipes and drum in front of a judge during their exhibition in the music competition.