Scotland Field School: St. Andrews Highland Games

This past Sunday our lovely professors took their dearest shutterbugs on a "wee" field trip to St. Andrews for the Highland Games. St. Andrews of Fife is a small coastal town (as I am now learning most towns in Scotland seem to be coastal as well as small) that is fit for a prince(ss)--literally, Prince William & Kate Middleton both went to University of St. Andrews. I find it important to also include that there is a world renowned golf course in St. Andrews that I was sure to snap a few photographs of for my favorite golf-napping partner (that's you, Grandpa).

Highland Games are unlike anything in America. The best way I can describe them in Yankie-terms would be the Calvert County Fair mixed with the Arnold Classic, but even that broad spectrum is far from accurate. I suppose it has to do with the United States being a melting pot of culture, and having way too many backgrounds and traditions to cover in one setting. Basically, the Highland Games are a series of athletic events held to celebrate Scottish heritage and culture. For many of the events men wear kilts, and girls wear traditional tartan dresses. There's also a lot of food, dogs, and very strong men. 

Here's a look at some of what I experienced. 

Heavy Weight participant and Strong Man Sebastian Wenta looks on during the 22lb ball throw competition at the St. Andrews Highland Games on Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy

Heavy Weight Competitor refuels with a Red Bull during the St. Andrews Highland Games on Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy

Heavy Weight competitions consist of a 28lb distance throw at the St. Andrews Highland Games on Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy 

Strongman Sebastian Wenta tapes his fingers at the St. Andrews Highland Games on Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy

3200 Metres Open Cycling Race at the St. Andrews Highland Games on Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy

After all of the official racing is over, kids of all ages are encouraged to participate in a footrace at the St. Andrews Highland Games on Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy

Tug o' War is one of the last and most exciting events at the St. Andrews Highland Games on Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy

Tug o' War officials dress in kilts while participants wear a more durable uniform at the St. Andrews Highland Games on Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy

Tug o' War takes as much team effort as it does individual strength at the St. Andrews Highland Games on Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy

Although the rope is frayed and rugged, most Tug o' War competitors use their bare hands at the St. Andrews Highland Games on Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy 

The tossing of the caber is one of the most traditional events held that the St. Andrews Highland Games. It is said that was developed by foresters for throwing tree trunks into the river. Nowadays it is thrown not for distance but for style. Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy

Highland dancers also participate in the St. Andrews Highland Games on Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy

A Highland Dancer prepares to be judged at the St. Andrews Highland Games on Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy

Scotland Field School: Halfway Point

I've been in Edinburgh for about two weeks now and my experience here thus far has been nothing short of amazing. I'm learning so much, but more importantly I am experiencing even more. Not only do I learn something new everyday, but I see something new everyday, I meet someone new everyday, I try something new everyday--and that is so incredibly fulfilling.

One thing in particular that I am working on is incorporating a sort of mantra that my professor, Terry Eiler, reiterates daily: "Take good photos, leave the rest for the tourists". This is harder than you might think. Edinburgh, and the rest of Scotland for that matter, is mantled with history, stories, and character. In order to capture the essence of it it's as if you have to photograph every inch. Nonetheless, I find myself working towards taking photographs that capture the essence in a single image rather than ten. It's a hard thing to do, but will prove to be very valuable in the future, I'm sure. This whole experience will prove to be very valuable, I'm sure.

Here are a few single images that somewhat do the job. But please still remember, it's a work in progress, as am I.

Edinburgh's Official Gardener makes a few final cuts on a the five week installation process the oldest floral clock in Princes Park on Monday, July 14, 2014.
©KiraRemy

Ominous clouds hang over and Old Town building in Edinburgh, Scotland on Tuesday, July 15, 2014.
©KiraRemy 

Mary, 86, Dunbar East Lothian, Scotland UK on Thursday, July 24, 2014.
©KiraRemy

Fog hangs low on the shores of Loch Ness, Inverness, Scotland on Saturday, July 19, 2014.
©KiraRemy 

Princes Street Parade, Edinburgh, Scotland on Sunday, July 20 2014.
©KiraRemy

Musselburgh Fancy Dress Competition on Friday, July 25 2014.
©KiraRemy

Olivia McDonald, dressed as the "Musselburgh News" takes first prize in the Musselburgh Fancy Dress Competition on Friday, July 25, 2014.
©KiraRemy

Scotland Field School: Assignment One

I've always thought painting was quite therapeutic-- there is something about spending hours in one place focused on one thing. For me, painting seems to have effects similar to long distance running: I'm terrible at both of them and am usually quite frustrated with the end results most of the time. Nonetheless, the processes eventually result in some peace of mind.

My first assignment in Scotland was a photo-shoot in the little town of North Berwick, about 25 miles north-east of Edinburgh situated on the south shore of the Firth of Fourth. Framed by a 613 foot volcanic hill called the "Law"and two rocky beaches, the seaside village serves as a vacation town for many Brits keen on adventure. As I meandered about the streets I stumbled upon an older gentleman painting the front of one of the many historical homes by the harbor. Upon watching him climb up and down the 10 foot ladder with more confidence and ease than anyone my age, I knew I had found my story for the day.

85 year old Merchant Navy veteran Steve Hoffie took over his father's house painting business William Hoffie & Son shortly after returning from the war. Hoffie settled in a town about four miles outside of North Berwick, and still does most of his business around the coast. Hoffie had one son who died of lung cancer at age 24.

"It's a lot harder on his mother. I suppose I just try and keep busy, that's why I'm still painting." he said and returned to work.

All images ©KiraRemy 2014