As thousands roar into Aviemore this weekend for Thunder in the Glens, two Harley Davidson veterans will be marking a milestone that’s as heartfelt as the engines are loud.
Fred and June Henderson, both aged 70, have been riding into the Highlands for over a quarter of a century to join one of Europe’s largest gatherings of Harley Davidson owners.
This year’s rally will be their 25th, a tradition they’ve held dear since the very early days of the event.
“It’s such a special event and so good for the area,” says Fred, remembering their very first visit in 1997 when they stayed at the now-demolished Red MacGregor Hotel.
Since then, they’ve made the Cairngorm Hotel their home for every rally they’ve attended, missing only one.
But it was no ordinary absence, that year, they were proudly flying the Saltire in Milwaukee at Harley-Davidson’s 100th anniversary parade.
For Fred and June, it’s about far more than bikes.
“It’s about the people,” says June.
“We’ve made a lot of friends through it, some of whom we only see once a year at Thunder.”
They are not just attendees either, this year, they’ll be volunteering as part of the Dunedin Chapter, the Harley Davidson club behind the rally’s organisation.
The chapter includes over 400 members from across Scotland and Europe, all united by a shared love of the road, the ride, and the camaraderie that comes with it.
Fred, who may arrive this year on a Harley shipped over from the United States, says there’s far more to the weekend than the spectacular Saturday ride-out.
“The atmosphere is great.
“There’s a lot of live music and events organised by different chapters that the public might not even see,” he says.
But for visitors, the mass ride-out remains a centrepiece.
Hundreds of bikes gleam and growl through the Highlands, thrilling the thousands of onlookers who line the streets to soak up the sound and spectacle.
The Cairngorm Hotel, a cornerstone of the festival’s community, is once again throwing open its doors with four full days of live music, daily barbecues, a buzzing beer garden and a packed line-up of performers.
Thunder favourites like Davy Holt, Sons of the Soil and Spud the Piper will be joined by new acts including Bruach and Clarinish.
Spud the Piper will also play out the festival on Sunday evening, bringing a traditional close to one of the region’s most beloved events.
“We are proud to continue our long-running support of Thunder in the Glens,” says Craig Docherty, General Manager at the Cairngorm Hotel.
“We’ve got lots of music and entertainment planned and we’re really looking forward to welcoming Fred and June and all the riders.”
With the event set to pause in 2026, this year’s gathering holds a little extra weight for those who’ve made it more than a rally, it’s become part of their lives.
And for Fred and June, that thunder still calls.
