Ayrshire Post

Village has a Highland fling

Summer fun for the 29th time

- Fraser Wilson

The 29th Dundonald Highland Games went off in style this year with the poor weather forecast staying at bay.

It may not have been the sunkissed day as it was last year, but the event was blessed with warm, dry weather – and it was an occasion that had something for everyone.

Villagers put on a high- flying show for revellers, with cabers, hammers and owls flying through the air.

From pipe bands to Highland dancers, to a hearty dose of competitio­n, plenty of food and drink, and stalls for children, there really was something for people of all ages.

Taking place beneath the picturesqu­e setting of Dundonald Castle on Saturday, the gathering saw eight- year- old Joseph McQuiston lead the street procession as Junior Chieftain.

He followed in the footsteps of his great, great uncle Jim, who was Chieftain in 2007.

As with previous years, the games were a truly internatio­nal affair, with pipe bands flying in from as far afield as Argentina to take part in the celebratio­ns.

Games Queen Caitlin Croll and attendants Brooke Sutterfiel­d and Emma Haddow looked fantastic in their traditiona­l regalia.

But the main player on the day was Chieftain Kenny Easton, who conducted proceeding­s in style.

The superb day was the cumulation of a fantastic week of events throughout Dundonald.

Chairwoman Louise McCartan said: “I would like to thank everyone for their fantastic support of all the events we’ve had this week.

“Special thanks to our junior committee members who have worked their socks off and were always happy to help – we couldn’t have done it without them.

“Dundonald Highland Games is a friendly, community event and we hope everyone enjoyed their day.”

Next year is the 30th anniversar­y of the Games. To find out more about the event, head to www. dundonald- games. org. uk, Facebook Dundonald Games or Twitter: @ Dundonald_ Games.

Our photograph­er Chloe Adams grabbed her camera and headed along to capture some of the action.

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 ??  ?? High energy The opening ceremony set the tone for the day
High energy The opening ceremony set the tone for the day
 ??  ?? Strongmen Competitor­s Andy Richardson, of Arbroath, Steven Miller from Irvine, and John Neill, of Perth, enjoyed the Games
Strongmen Competitor­s Andy Richardson, of Arbroath, Steven Miller from Irvine, and John Neill, of Perth, enjoyed the Games
 ??  ?? Welcome Chairwoman Louise McCartan opens the ceremony
Welcome Chairwoman Louise McCartan opens the ceremony

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