War games a hit on Black Isle as Loch ‘n Load finds its target
THE peaceful Sunday afternoon calm surrounding a Black Isle village hall offered no indication whatsoever of the wars being waged inside.
The venue was North Kessock and the event a Loch 'n Load tabletop wargaming competition featuring participants from across the Highlands.
The group’s goal is simple: to provide a safe and welcoming space for anyone with an interest in the pastime to meet new people and form friendships with like-minded players.
For the newcomer, stepping into the hall through some curtains after fumbling down a short, dark corridor was akin to entering a whole new world, Narnia style. Huddled over impressive tabletop set-ups featuring models of military personnel and hardware along with some more outlandish creations were players in intense concentration. Indeed such was my ability to wander at will around the tables unnoticed that I was starting to wonder whether I’d stumbled into the cloak of invisibility in the corridor…
Kenneth Mackenzie from Tain, one of the group’s leading lights, is hugely enthusiastic about the positive benefits of the pursuit. He said later: “The event was a huge success. All the feedback was incredible and every single attendee had a great time.
“The next steps for Loch 'n Load are more events. “e have already booked in a further two events for this year - one in May and another big one in August. At the one in August we are going to try something new and encourage people to bring a newbie with them. Someone who is curious about the game but maybe a bit nervous about how to get started.
“This way they can feed off of the buzz in the hall and have a few demo games without feeling guilty that they are detracting from somebody else's experience in any way! We are also taking a team of five Loch 'n Load representatives to a team’s tournament held at the Brewdog Dogtap in Ellon which will be attended by teams from all over Scotland.”
One such relative newcomer I bumped into along the way was Dingwall-based Anna Beveridge who was tagging along with her boyfriend. She was one of the few women there, declaring herself “not very good” but keen to learn and happy to get involved. In addition to a wooden spoon, she left the tournament with a Best Sport accolade.
Kenneth explained: “Loch 'n Load at it's core is simply a safe space for Tabletop Gamers of all genres to come together and enjoy their hobby together. It offers a range of community and mental health benefits that can have a lasting positive impact on both individuals and the wider area.
“The Highlands, with its more rural and isolated locations, can often feel somewhat disconnected. Loch 'n Load has become a social hub for people who might otherwise struggle to find opportunities for regular interaction. It gives people a reason to come together, make friends, and foster a sense of belonging.”
Excitingly, he believes, it can also connect people across generations and from different walks of life, allowing for the development of new friendships and support networks.
He said members “are passionate about creating an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere for newcomers, regardless of experience or background and providing a safe space where everyone can feel valued”.
In addition to mental stimulation, tabletop wargaming offers a form of escapism, he says allowing players to engage in a creative, immersive experience that helps them disconnect from the pressures of daily life: “In rural areas, where the stresses of isolation or limited resources can be more pronounced, this is especially beneficial.”
He added: “Wargaming requires strategic thinking, problem-solving, and concentration. These mental challenges can help improve cognitive function, and the social aspect of the game also encourages communication, teamwork, and tactical discussions—all of which contribute to mental stimulation and overall well-being.”
Completing a model army or winning a battle in a wargame, he says, provides a sense of achievement and can boost self-esteem. For some gamers, the routine is crucial in combating loneliness or depression. Painting miniatures and setting up battlefields can also be a meditative process, helping to build emotional resilience.
The group has a Facebook page where more can be discovered.
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