Emma Pritchard

It was a piping exuberant affair as a large crowd embraced the spirit of the occasion during Splash of Tartan on November 4.

Sponsored by the Clocktower Hotel, the annual event is a celebration of Highland heritage, culture, music, and festivities, with performances by the Grafton District Services Club (GDSC) Pipe Band, Coffs Coast Pipes and Drums, and the Jacaranda Highland Dancers from Grafton and Glen Innes delighting the audience throughout the afternoon.

As the unmistakable sound of bagpipes rose high into the air above Grafton’s Market Square, Tweed Heads visitors Melanie Durston and Joeseph Szabo told the Clarence Valley Independent they felt connected to their Scottish ancestry.

“My great-great-grandparents emigrated to Australia from Dundee, north of Edinburgh, and I always think of them and the hardships they endured leaving their homeland when I hear bagpipes,” Ms Durston said.

“I have Scottish bloodlines on my mum’s side of the family, so I’ve always had a soft spot for the bagpipes,” Mr Szabo added.

“This (Splash of Tartan) is such a great event because it keeps a lot of ancient customs and traditions alive, and people can still enjoy them today.”