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The Braemar Gathering at Balmoral: a Classic FM special
On 5 September, the Queen, the Royal Family and thousands of spectators descended on the tiny town of Braemar, adjacent to Balmoral, to watch the massed pipes and drums, and Highland Games events. Classic FM was there to record the music - and you can hear it in our special broadcast from 8pm on 9 September.
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1. Much mirth in the Royal enclosure
Since 1848, the Braemar gathering has been regularly attended by the reigning Monarch and members of the Royal Family. Here HM The Queen, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and HRH The Prince of Wales are clearly amused by some Highlands high jinks. Photo: Andy Buchanan/AFP/Getty Images
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2. Her Majesty the Chieftain
Her Majesty the Queen is Chieftain of the Braemar Gathering, a traditional Scottish Highland Games which predates the 1745 Uprising. Photo: Andy Buchanan/AFP/Getty Images
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3. Pipe band at the Braemar Gathering
A pipe band march at the Braemar Gathering on 5 September 2015 in Braemar, Scotland. There has been an annual gathering at Braemar, in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, for over 900 years. Photo: Carl Court/Getty Images
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4. Tug of War
The tug of war competition is always a great favourite at the Braemar Gathering. Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)
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5. Tossing the caber
A participant takes part in the caber tossing competition at the Braemar Gathering on 5 September 2015. The Gathering sees competitors in Running, Heavy Weights, Solo Piping, Light Field and Solo Dance watched by around 16000 spectators. Photo: Carl Court/Getty Images
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6. The weight over the bar throwing competition
In which a very strong man throws a weight over a bar. Photo: Carl Court/Getty Images
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7. Traditional dancing too
Competitors watch as others take part in a traditional dancing event during the annual Braemar Gathering. Photo: Andy Buchanan/AFP/Getty Images
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8. Preparing for the service
The Sunday morning service at Crathie Kirk featured the University of Aberdeen Chamber Choir, under their Director Paul Mealor. The service, attended by HM The Queen and other members of the Royal Family featured Mealor’s own compositions, including a world premiere of a setting of 'The Lord Bless you and Keep You' and Tallis’s 'If Ye Love Me'.
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9. Songs from a Lovie
Scottish personality Robert Lovie (right) took to the stage of St Margret's Church in Braemar with some traditional songs, including My Love is Like a Red Red Rose. He's joined by, from left, John Hudson and Raemond Jappy.
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10. ...and down to the chippy
After a gruelling day of piping, band members take a much-deserved break at the local chippy.
