Saturday, October 17, 2026

What to Expect

As the sun falls and the lanterns are lit, the Gathering shall carry on by the glow of a great fire, kept roaring long into the night.

There shall be Highland music in the air, fierce competition upon the field, a table laden with good food, and cups filled with whatever suits thy fancy.

Laughter is expected. Stories are encouraged. A bit of foolishness is all but certain.

And while we ask that the modern world be left behind, do not leave thy camera forgotten. Take photographs freely and often. Capture the Games, the feast, the victories, the laughter, and all the wonderfully ridiculous moments in between. Each year's photographs shall find their way into the Society book, so that the tale of every Gathering may be kept long after the fire has gone cold.

When the Games are won and the feast is finished, find a place beside the fire, fill thy cup once more, and stay awhile.

The night ends when the merriment does.

For The Wee Ones

The Bonnie Wee Gathering belongs to the whole family, and the smallest among us shall have merriment of their own.

While the Highland Games occupy the grown men, the wee lads and lassies shall have their own place to run wild.

The Wee Highlanders' Grounds shall be open throughout the Gathering, complete with a bounce house and room for adventures of their own.

There will be plenty to eat, plenty to do, and no expectation that tiny Highlanders remain seated for very long.

Order of the Day

4:00 PM - The Gathering Begins

Arrive, raise a glass, and settle in.

4:30 PM - The Highland Games

Five events of strength, skill, and Highland pride

6:30 PM - Dinner

Following Dinner - Awards & Merriment

The Highland Games Champion shall be crowned, glasses raised, and merriment shall continue

THE FEAST

Come hungry. There shall be plenty.

BEFORE THE FEAST

A grazing table shall await those arriving hungry from the road.

Cheeses & Cured Meats
Fresh Apples, Pears & Grapes
Crusty Bread & Oatcakes
Honey, Mustards & Pickled Things
Nuts & Other Small Bites

Take what ye fancy, but leave room for what is to come.

FROM THE SMOKER

Slow-Smoked Beef Brisket
Smoked low and slow until tender, then carved for the table.

Applewood Smoked Pork
Slow-smoked and pulled, with sauces served alongside.

FROM THE HEARTH & TABLE

Whisky-Glazed Carrots
Roasted with butter, brown sugar, herbs, and a wee splash of whisky.

Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese
Rich, smoky, and entirely worth abandoning historical accuracy for.

Rosemary & Garlic Roasted Potatoes
Crisp, golden, and generously seasoned.

Elisabeth's Green Beans
No explanation required. If ye know, ye know

THE BREAD

Rustic Hearth Bread
Served in great loaves with whipped honey butter.

Break bread freely. Pass it often.

SOMETHING SWEET

Scottish Cranachan
Cream, toasted oats, raspberries, and honey, with a touch of whisky for those who wish it.

Warm Apple & Oat Crumble
Baked with autumn spices and best enjoyed somewhere near the fire.

AND TO DRINK

Whisky shall flow.

Ale and wine shall be poured.

Cider shall be plentiful.

And for those who prefer their merriment without the spirits, temperate pours and other non-alcoholic offerings shall be kept in good supply.

Eat well. Drink well. Leave nothing but crumbs.

THE WEE FEAST

For the wee lads & lassies whose adventures require proper provisions.

FROM THE FIRE

Roasted Links
Served warm and ready for hungry little hands.

FROM THE TABLE

Golden Macaroni & Cheese
Warm, cheesy, and beloved by wee Highlanders far and wide.

Crisp Taters
A simple and worthy accompaniment.

Fresh Fruit of the Season
For a touch of something wholesome amongst the merriment.

A WEE TREAT

Sweet Biscuits
For those who have eaten enough supper to earn one.

TO FILL THEIR CUPS

Apple Juice • Lemonade • Water

Eat heartily. Play boldly.

The Wee Highlanders' Grounds await.

The Passing of The Gathering

As the evening draws on and the Games have been decided, one final tradition remains.

Each family willing to open their home and take up the keeping of the next Bonnie Wee Gathering may place their family name into the Chalice.

When the hour comes, the Society shall gather.

The current Keeper shall bring forth the Chalice and, before all assembled, draw one name.

That family shall be called forward.

Before friends and kin, the current Keeper shall place into their hands the Bonnie Wee Society Handbook, and with it, the responsibility of carrying the Gathering onward.

From that moment, they shall be known as:

Keeper of The Gathering

They shall choose the place.

They shall prepare the feast.

They shall send the summons.

And when autumn comes again, they shall call us home.