Marion hailed as Chieftain
Businesswoman to lead Cumnock Highland Games
Trader Marion Gilliland has been announced as The Chieftain for Cumnock Highland Games.
William Salmond, chairman of the Highland Games organising committee and past Chieftain, went along to Marion’s shop on Townhead Street to present her with her Cumnock tartan shawl.
This year’s Games will be held on Sunday, August 19 in the town’s Woodroad Park.
The new location is necessary because its usual venue, Broomfield Park, is now part of the building works currently being carried out on the new school campus between Cumnock and Auchinleck.
Marion, who has worked in the family business on Townhead Street since she left school, was delighted to be asked to be this year’s Chieftain.
She beamed: “This is such an honour and I am really looking forward to it.
“Unfortunately, even as Chieftain I can’t control the weather but I’m sure the event will be a great success and that everyone who comes along will have a great time.”
Marion is chairwoman of Cumnock Business Association and has also spent the last 20 years liaising on behalf of the local business community with East Ayrshire Council.
The 45- year- old is also a tireless fundraiser for MND Scotland, having completed the Glasgow Half Marathon as part of her fundraising efforts for the charity.
She will gift wrap any purchase in her shop at no cost to the customer for a voluntary donation to MND Scotland.
In the past three and a half years Marion has raised a whopping £ 15,000 for the charity.
William said: “The organising committee for this year’s Cumnock Highland Games is delighted we have managed to return this popular event to the town after its absence last year.
“We’ve worked hard to bring together all of the elements necessary and we could not have done it without the help of many other people and organisations, especially East Ayrshire Council.
“I would like to also thank all of the funding organisations and local businesses who are supporting the event.
“In Marion, we have a very worthy Chieftain and it is a real pleasure to present her with this shawl in the Cumnock tartan, which all of the previous Chieftains have received.
“She will also receive a walking stick, custom- made by well known craftsman Dane Love, for the event and as a memento to keep.”
Cumnock Highland Games will begin with a parade from Cumnock Square at 12.30pm and on arrival at Woodroad Park at 1pm, the Games will be officially opened by the Chieftain.
The Highland Dancing competition will begin in Woodroad Park at 10am.