Highland gathering pipers performing
Image: Supplied
The unmistakable sound of bagpipes will soon echo across Amanzimtoti as one of the country’s biggest cultural events returns in full swing. The Highland Gathering, set to take place on Saturday, May 3, at Hutchison Park, is gearing up to deliver a day of unforgettable family fun, music, food, and festivity.
Hosted by the Lions Club of Amanzimtoti, this much-loved event is expected to draw a crowd of over 10 000 people and will feature what organisers describe as the largest gathering of Scottish pipe bands outside of Scotland.
“Stalls are almost completely booked out. Paris, New York and London have nothing on Amanzimtoti this weekend,” said Lions Club chairperson André Beetge. “With the sounds of pipes and drums across three full fields, delicious food, and festive energy, this is the event of the year—you don’t want to miss it.”
The event will also feature arena entertainment, Highland games, food stalls, craft vendors, and activities for children—making it a full day of fun for the whole family. Attendees can look forward to immersing themselves in Scottish culture and tradition, right in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal.
The roots of the Highland Gathering run deep. The very first South Coast Highland Gathering took place in 1964 when Betty and Clifford Leesam helped Umbogintwini Primary School raise funds for a new swimming pool. What started as a fundraiser soon transformed into a much-anticipated annual celebration of Scottish heritage.
Over the decades, the event has become much-anticipated by the Amanzimtoti community, with local families hosting out-of-town pipers, and jubilant celebrations lighting up venues such as the Jubilee Hall. The mix of Scottish folk dancing and classic hits—from bagpipes to Elvis—ensured a unique atmosphere year after year.
The Gathering reached new heights in 1967 when it caught the attention of the British Royal Family. John Nichol, Queen Elizabeth II’s personal piper, was officially invited to judge the pipe band competition. Following correspondence with Buckingham Palace, Nichol’s visit became a historic moment for the event.
Crowds gathered at the then Louis Botha (Durban) Airport to welcome him, with the Natal Mounted Rifles playing “Flower of Scotland” as the Queen’s piper stepped onto South African soil.
“It was a proud moment that solidified the Gathering’s place on the international map,” said Beetge.
Having moved from its original home at Umbogintwini Primary to Kingsway High School and now Hutchison Park, the Highland Gathering continues to be a symbol of community spirit, cultural pride, and joyful tradition. Entrusted to the Amanzimtoti Lions Club, the event continues to grow each year while holding fast to its roots.
To keep up with updates, view the programme, or win entry tickets, visit the Highland Gathering’s Facebook page: Amanzimtoti Lions Club – Home of the Highland Gathering.
So mark your calendars, don your tartan, and get ready to join thousands in celebrating one of the most cherished events in South Africa’s cultural calendar
Highland gathering mass band perform
Image: Supplied