The two Premier Inn hotels in Edinburgh have raised £2,000 over the weekend of the Edinnburgh Highland Games on 25 and 26 July by running the Tug o’ War in the main arena. Joining them was Clanedonia, a riot of rythm and beat who can normaly be seen – err heard – in the popular tourist spots entertaining the city’s visitors but on this occasion gave their time free by playing for donations.

Clanedonia play for donations to Anthony Nolan Trust at Edinburgh Highland Games

Premier Inn and Clanedonia celebrate a successful weekend

Was just about to head home after a  wonderful two days of photographing the largest Highland Games when I realised that the Lord Provost was about to make the closing speach of the games. Being the only photographer left I was able to fire off a few shots and  to get the group shot here with Lord and Lady Provost and the principle organisors (and whose concept it was).

Brilliant few days in Edinburgh for all the Clans gathering together from home and abroad and a for all of us in Edinburgh too!

Closing party of Edinburgh Highland Games 2009

Order photos here >> http://images.simonwilliamsphotography.co.uk/thunder

I have been commissioned again for Thunder in the Glens, 28 – 30 August 2009, though this time by the organisor George ‘Mad Dog’ McGuire, Director of Dunedin Chapter Scotland (Edinburgh).

On the 'Rideout' from Thunder in the Glens 2008 Aviemore

A stunning two days in Edinburgh and the largest Clan Gathering and Highland Games in Scotland for years took place in Holyrood Park next to Holyrood Palace. Blest with fabulous weather, visitors and competitors from around the globe enjoyed a spectacular set up with a backdrop of the  scenery beneath the volcanic rock that is known as Arthur’s Seat.

A Clan Chief in the Clan Village at the Highland Games Edinburgh.

I only got one shot of this magnificent looking gentleman as there were lots of people passing in front of me. Rather than increase the colour I took some some away in Photoshop which gives a rather ‘old painting’ feel to it. Other than removing some awning out at the top right, again in Photoshop, nothing else has been done. The little boy and the other person to the left and in quite dark area of the image, add to it in my view. Happy for any opinions on this image.
(Nikon D300, Lens 70-200 f2.8, 500 sec at f11)

A competitor watches as his caber flies through the air for only seconds

Julie Fowlis performs on the Music Stage at the games

Having just cleared the bar above him, this competitor celebrates as his 56lb weight drops behind him.

An athlete frozen in time as he throws the caber

Two pretty girls having a great day!

Lifting a huge stone ball onto a high barrel - his face says it all.

A team challenges the Tug o' War World Champions

Prestige Scotland invited staff from the Edinburgh Convention Bureau for a ‘hard hat’ tour of the new John Hope Gateway building at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

Due to open in the Autumn it is a quite stunning building and as you can imagine for The Botanics, built as a shining example of green construction and sustainability.

Main staircase built entirely from wood (it disconcertingly flexes when using it) at John Hope Gateway at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Edinburgh Convention Bureau view new John Hope Gateway at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

 John Hope Gateway and Prestige Scotland and Edinburgh Convention Bureau.

The ASME annual conference dinner was held at the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh last week. Welcomed in Scottish style by a piper, delegates and partners enjoyed a champagne reception and dinner in the Surgeons Hall. Afterwards, they had an exclusive opportunity to visit the world famous Pathology Museum. Scotland’s largest medical museum houses one of the most significant surgical collections in the world. William Playfair’s outstanding Pathology Museum, the oldest in Britain, contains human anatomical and pathological specimens from the late 18th century. More >>

Surgeon's Hall at Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh

Delegates from New Zealand

Another eye opener on other professions in life.

The conference in Edinburgh in July 2009 was the coming together of those involved in research and the study of teaching in medicine in further education. Delegates came from as far away as New Zealand to contribute as well as learn from best practise.

Conference held at Royal College of Physicians Edinburgh

Delivering results of a study

The main auditorium at the RCP Edinburgh

One of the break out sessions for the JASME (Junior ASME)

One of the break out sessions for the JASME (Junior ASME)

The main sponsor - Limbs and Things

Professor Ronald Harden, General Secretary, Treasurer AMEE, Dundee, UK

They had not had a photographer before for their conferences and in pitching to suggest this to them they agreed to ‘give it a go’ to see if there would be a benefit. From a call this morning from one of the organisers, Nicky Pender of ASME, it seems they are very pleased with the shots.

More images from ASME Edinburgh 2009