VJ Day tribute at Fort George: Colossal Celebration of the Centuries
Fort George had the honour of being host to the largest display event by Historic Scotland of the year, putting on their Colossal Celebration of the Centuries.
Performed over the weekend that today saw the 65th anniversary of VJ Day, the effective end of World War II, the re-enactment served as a fitting tribute.
A host of re-enactment groups from all over Scotland converged to give us coverage of many key historical periods: Roman, Viking, Mediaeval, Renaissance, Georgian, and both World Wars. The event opened with a parachute jump by the Golden Lions, and while they also ended the day, a stunning display by a lone Spitfire was the real finale.
It really was quite a remarkable feat, and honour, for so many different groups to come together in the Highlands to re-enact Scottish history: The Antonine Guard, Carrick 800, Historic Saltaire Society, Mediaeval Realm and Northern Alliance, Fire and Sword, Fraser’s Dragoons, Alba Adventure Company, 68th Society and Display Team, Gordon Highlands, and the Victory in Europe Re-enactment Society.
Even though the hot summer day could be trying for young children, there was plenty to see and get involved with to keep up interest. And if the re-enactments were not enough, the setting of Fort George itself provided plenty of distraction.
Not much of a Roman presence ever in the Highlands, excepting for a passing mention from Agricola and recent films such as Centurion. However, the Romans had a defining role over Scotland, not least physically seperating the north of the British Isles from the rest, effectively designating the border which would define the lands of England and Scotland as separate.
Of course, the Mediaeval period was well represented, and brought to mind the spectatuclar jousting tournament held at Fort George in 2008.
There were plenty of display tents where the performers – all voluntary – would try and represent their own unique periods, as well as answer questions, and allow children and grown-ups to wield some of the most dangerous weapons in history!
There was plenty of focus on developments in Scottish history, with the various conflicts that ravaged the country and politics covered by the groups. One commentator stated succinctly, “The traditional enemies of the Scots were … other Scots”.
The Red Coats made their appearance, with Culloden of course referenced. However, the point was made that while Fort George was erected to help dominate the local Highland clans after the Jacobite Rebellion, many Scots actually formed the 68th company at Fort George, which this re-enactment group gives tribute to.
The Spitfire display was particularly noteworthy, as it flew loop-the-loop over the Moray Firth and then swooped low beside Fort George, showing large what a formiddable and beautiful piece of machinery the plane was.
That Swing Sensation, performing in the 1940′s area, was particularly entertaining and noteworthy – not least for the eerie fact that swing music, explosions, and the sounds of planes, came together incidentally, almost recreating a feeling for the war period beyond what the performers ancitipated.
With the summer finally arrives, the Moray Firth was a calm silver as you looked to the misty Munros rising in the west. As ever, great views on a clear day from Fort George.
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