History of the BC Legion Highland Gathering

In the mid 1960's a few Branches of the Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) from the lower mainland of British Columbia gathered and decided to organize a Highland Games. At this time it was an open competition, not just restricted to Branches of the Legion which had a Pipe Band.

This was changed in 1970 when it was decided to have Highland Games that were restricted to Pipe Bands that were sponsored by a Branch of the RCL in BC. In 1972 a Constitution was agreed to by the founding Branches being Chilliwack (BR 4), South Burnaby (Br 83), Abbotsford (Br 15), Burnaby (Br 179) and Nanaimo Mount Pleasant (Br 256).

The organization petitioned the Pacific Command and the cleared the title "Legion Highland Gathering" (LHG). To promote RCL Branches throughout the province of BC the Constitution passed in 1972 called for Legion Branches to send their Colour Parties to the LHG to compete in the colour party category. This event is one of the highlights of the LHG each year.

The LHG is held on the third Saturday of June each year. The hosting of the "Gathering" rotates each year between participating RCL Branches from all over the province. Over the years there has been more than 20 Legion Pipe Bands and Colour parties competing. Currently there is in addition, to the Legion Pipe Bands an invited list of non-Legion bands that have a strong affiliation to the LHG.

A typical "Gathering" day will start very early with Pipe Band and Colour Party inspection followed by a Grand Parade and Massed Band event. This is followed by individual piping and drumming events. In addition, during the day there are sporting competitions such as the Caber Toss and Tug-o-War. The day closes off with the Pipe Bands competing against each other for the best Pipe Band award.

There is a very keen interest from many Legion Pipe Bands around the Province which will ensure the LHG will go on for many years and taking it's place in the rich history of BC.

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