For many in Corby, a town affectionately known as 'mini Scotland in England', the annual Highland Gathering is more than just a celebration of Scottish culture – it's a chance to reconnect with their heritage. This year marked the 55th edition of the event, which drew crowds and competitors from across the globe to honour Corby's unique history, shaped by the influx of Scottish workers and their families who migrated to work in the local steelworks from the 1930s onwards.
The programme was packed with traditional and new competitions, including the always-popular World Porridge Eating Championship. A new addition was Corby's Strongest Man contest, which added an extra layer of excitement for attendees. Highland dancing, a core component of the festivities, saw participants travel from Scotland, Ireland, and even Canada to compete for the prestigious title of All England Champion.
Gary Buchan, this year's chieftain and a native of Peterhead who has lived in Corby his whole adult life, expressed his immense honour at holding the figurehead role. He stressed the importance of remembering the town's heritage, saying, "Corby is known as mini Scotland in England, and we should never forget our roots – it's our heritage." He noted that the town remains "very Scottish" due to the presence of second, third, and even fourth-generation Scottish families, despite the significant migration slowing after the steelworks' closure was announced in 1979.
Amanda Gibson, whose father moved from Glasgow to join the steelworks, co-organised the Highland dancing section. She highlighted how the gathering acts as a unifying force, bringing the community together for various reasons, from enjoying pipe bands and dancing to watching strongman contests and porridge eating. The volunteer-run event serves as a focal point for communal celebration and cultural pride.
Adding to Corby's current buzz is its bid to become one of the UK's first Towns of Culture. Mr Buchan described this as "massive" news, considering the town's transformation from a small East Midlands settlement into an industrial powerhouse that attracted diverse populations from across the UK and Eastern Europe. He emphasised Corby's inclusive nature, built on economic migration, and its ongoing commitment to celebrating its rich, multi-faceted heritage – with its Scottish roots firmly at the forefront.