Rèisimeidean, rathaidean-iarainn is rìoghalachd — Races, regiments and royalty
The time from the 1860s to the 1920s was possibly the high point of the Northern Meeting Games.
The new railways to the Highlands meant that people could now travel here more easily from further south for holidays. Special excursion trains from surrounding areas each day of the Games helped boost audiences further.
The new purpose-built Park made it much easier to run traditional Games events - such as throwing the hammer, putting the stone, tossing the caber, long jump, high jump, pole vaulting, racing, Highland dancing and piping.
However, to keep the crowds coming, the Games Committee also introduced new features. In the 1870s, performances by regimental pipe bands and military drill displays were introduced and became very popular. Later innovations included bicycle races, tugs-of-war, shinty, gymnastic displays by local school children, Scoutcraft displays by local scout troops - even Japanese ju-jitsu!
By the 1920s, the Games were a well-established feature of the Highland social calendar - popular not only with locals but also the many wealthy people who flocked to the North every summer. Northern Meeting guest lists were like an international celebrity listing, with royalty, aristocrats, clan chiefs, senior military figures and millionaires as well as famous actors, writers and artists.
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