The Grandfather Mountain Highland
Games Newsletter
Fall 2012
The President Speaks
As Fall approaches I hope that this newsletter finds everyone well and rested. There are several
updates of which I want to make everyone aware. For starters there are several price changes that will
be in effect for the 2013 Games. As many of you know our prices have stayed stable for that last
twenty years. Unfortunately the inflation rates have not been as kind. You can see the updated prices
on page two of this Newsletter.
Some of this may come as a surprise but I assure our patrons, sponsors, and general public that
according to inflation rates over the last twenty years we were charging less than half of the price that
inflation mandated for us to break even. We strive to make the GMHG the premier Scottish festival in
North America while maintaining affordability for our attendees. Regardless of these price changes
the GMHG is still one of the greatest bargains available in our area (also see page two for price
comparisons of local attractions).
With the passing of Royce McNeil we all lost a great friend and brother. The Board felt that we needed to fill his position with
someone who exemplified many of the same qualities that characterized Royce throughout the years. That being said I would like
to welcome our newest Board Member, Steve Quillin, to the GMHG family. Steve has been a long-time supporter and sponsor of
the Games and is currently serving his third term as president of Clan MacLaren. We gladly welcome his expertise in representing
our Clan Sponsors and look forward to his help with the advancement of the Games in the future.
Sincerely,
Ross Morrison, Jr.
Ross Morrison, Jr.
GMHG President
General Manager’s Perspective
As I sit in the office on a rainy fall afternoon there are several thoughts and opinions that I would like to
share with you. Despite the rain we were pleased with our patron, sponsor, and camper turnout. However,
three days of rain did put a damper on our Gate traffic. The Games turned out better than we were
anticipating. I was really encouraged by the cheerful disposition of the crowds that did attend during the
heavy downpours. I kept hearing that it was actually “authentic” Scottish weather and those attending did
not seem to mind.
I want to thank our event directors and all of our outstanding staff for working together and being flexible
while still putting on a great show for our 2012 Games. I also want to commend our field crew in managing
all of the complications that arose due to the rising water on the field. Without all of their efforts the 2012
Games could have been a disaster. We also want to give credit to our creator as lightning did not pose a
major problem and the Games were able to continue. We can only hope and pray that next year’s Games will be less “authentic”
when it comes to the weather.
Sincerely,
Frank Vance
GMHG General Manager
“A Wee Bit of the Scottish Highlands in North
Carolina!”
Page 1 of 4
Current News and Updates
Several price increases have been instituted by the Board of Directors for the 2013 Games. The $550
Chieftain patron’s package has been raised to $575. The other major price change was on our 4-day
advanced ticket. It has been raised from $55 to $75, but now includes bus transportation from all three
of our park and ride locations (Linville, Avery County High School, and Caldwell Community College
in Boone). Minor changes to our camping prices are still being adjusted. Check these on our website in
mid-January.
The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games is still one of the greatest bargains in the High Country
despite rising entrance fees. Check out the pricing comparisons below:
Tweetsie Railroad: $35 for adults and $22 for children (single day admission)
Biltmore Estate: $46 to $59 for adults and $29 for children (single day admission)
MerleFest: 4-day adult pass for $140. Single day adult from $35 to $55
Carowinds: $45 for adults and $37 for children (single day admission)
Dollywood: $54 for adults and $42 for children (single day admission)
We are proud to welcome our newest Board member, Steve Quillin, to the GMHG family. He is
currently serving his third term as president of Clan MacLaren. In addition to his Clan MacLaren
duties, Quillin is a founding member of the Raleigh Burns Club, a member of the North Carolina St.
Andrews Society and the Scottish Society of the Triangle. Born in Kingsport, TN, Quillin now resides
in Durham, NC. He is married to the former Sylvia Elizabeth Bridges. They have three children and
two grandchildren.
This year’s Friday night Patron and Sponsor Reception was held at Camp Yonahnoka in
Linville, NC. As with any new venue there can be many problems and complications that
arise. We would like to thank Eseeola Lodge for making this one of the smoothest and
trouble free transitions in our Games history. All feedback from those in attendance was
positive and upbeat. We, along with our patrons and sponsors, look forward to a continued
partnership with Eseeola. The 2013 Reception is already scheduled to be held at the Camp
once again. All patrons and sponsors should plan on attending for a night of food, drinks,
socializing, and world class entertainment.
The 58th Annual Games Will Be Held July 11th-14th, 2013
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Pictures from the 2012 GMHG
Torchlight Ceremony
The Bear Race
Stone Throw
Orville Hicks telling Jack Tales
Turning the Caber
Chelsea House Orchestra
The 58th Annual Games Will Be Held July 11th-14th, 2013
Page 3 of 4
Opening Ceremonies
Sheep Herding with Border Collies
Saor Patrol greeting some young fans
Tuatha Dea on the main stage
Patron
Reception
Photos courtesy
of Mike Lacey.
All other photos
courtesy of
James Shaffer.
Be a part of the Gathering!
Order tickets, camping, and patron
sponsorships online at www.gmhg.org
Children’s Wrestling
The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games gratefully acknowledges the contributions of our Corporate Sponsors:

Coca-Cola

Duncan Soutar of St. Andrews

High Country Media

Aisling Broadcasting

Thistle School

Everything Scottish, LLC
For information on becoming a corporate sponsor, please visit www.gmhg.org or call (828) 733-1333
The 58th Annual Games Will Be Held July 11th-14th, 2013
Page 4 of 4