03/08/2026
The team at Cargokilts would like to extend our sincere thanks and congratulations to every person involved in the organisation of the 2026 Fort Nottingham Highland Gathering.
There could hardly be a more fitting setting for a Highland Gathering than Fort Nottingham itself. Established in 1856 as a British military outpost, the village grew around the fort that protected the early settlers of the Natal Midlands. Today, more than 170 years later, this quiet Midlands village remains one of KwaZulu-Natal's most distinctive historical treasures, where stone buildings, rolling hills and a deep sense of heritage create an atmosphere that simply cannot be manufactured. It is a place where history is not merely remembered, but experienced.
Against this remarkable backdrop, what we experienced this weekend was not simply another Highland Gathering. It was a masterclass in how such an event should be conceived, promoted and delivered.
From months of consistent marketing and publicity to the quality of the venue, the diversity of attractions, the professionalism of the organisers, and the genuine hospitality shown to exhibitors and visitors alike, every aspect reflected careful planning and attention to detail. The programme was broad enough to appeal to families, enthusiasts and the general public alike, while never losing sight of the Scottish heritage that lies at the heart of the event. It felt entirely appropriate that the Gathering also coincided with the commemoration of 170 years since the establishment of Fort Nottingham itself.
The result spoke for itself.
The crowds were substantial throughout the day. People arrived early, remained throughout the programme, supported the exhibitors, filled the spectator areas, and created an atmosphere that never diminished. Visitors smiled, exhibitors were busy, children were entertained, pipe bands performed before appreciative audiences, the athletes competed before enthusiastic spectators, and there was a genuine sense that everyone present wanted to be there. That atmosphere cannot be bought. It is earned through good organisation.
As exhibitors who have attended Highland Gatherings across South Africa for many years, we have experienced both the very best and, unfortunately, some of the very worst.
We have attended events in Johannesburg where inadequate planning, inconsistent marketing, poor communication, uninspiring layouts and an apparent expectation that people would simply arrive resulted in sparse attendance, little commercial activity and an atmosphere that never developed into the celebration our Scottish heritage deserves.
Fort Nottingham demonstrated exactly the opposite.
It proved that people are more than willing to travel considerable distances when they know they are attending a quality event. Families will support Highland Gatherings. Exhibitors will invest. Sponsors will participate. Pipe bands, dancers and athletes will gladly perform before appreciative audiences. The public responds enthusiastically when organisers respect both the participants and the visitors enough to present an event worthy of their time.
There are lessons here that every organiser of Highland Gatherings in South Africa should study carefully. Successful events are not assembled during the final week before opening day. They are built over many months through sustained marketing, careful planning, clear communication, respect for exhibitors, sensible event layout, quality entertainment and an unwavering commitment to creating an exceptional visitor experience.
Fort Nottingham has set a benchmark.
Rather than asking why attendance has declined at some Highland Gatherings, organisers elsewhere should perhaps spend a weekend in Fort Nottingham and observe what happens when vision, professionalism and genuine passion are combined. The answers are all there to see.
From everyone at Cargokilts, thank you for reminding us what a Highland Gathering can be. We are proud to have been part of it, and we look forward to returning for many years to come.
