SUNNY SMILES AT THE GAMES

Pictures and results from Strathardle Gathering

The 136th Strathardle Highland Gathering and Agricultural Show at Bannerfield, Kirkmichael, on Saturday was held in warm sunshine, and Games Chieftain Sir Michael Nairn said the event was again very well supported.

Sir Michael said there was a special welcome for members of the Clan MacThomas from across the world and their chief, Andrew MacThomas of Finegand.

And he added: “The gathering is the result of months of preparation an attention to detail by a small team of dedicated volunteer members of the committee.”

Local heavyweight games were held before the traditional march into Bannerfield led by Sir Michael, Coupar Angus Pipe Band and members of the Clan MacThomas Pipe Band – as well the Ems Highlander Pipes and Drums from Germany.

The Bannerfield Standard was carried by vice-president Alec Rattray, and the Clan MacThomas Standard by Chris Pye, in his role as acting banner man.

The trophy for the fancy dress competition was donated by Sarah Andrew in memory of her sisters Kitty and Claire. The winner was Madeline Stenbridge, who dressed as a unicorn.

There was continued disappointment for spectators who have enjoyed the local tug o’ war contest between teams representing Blackwater and Strathardle for the Robertson Cup. Differences in the interpretation of residential qualifications are still unresolved.

But while the men’s open contests were pale compared with recent years, the ladies brought some entertaining competition with the Kirkmichael Beginners beating Strathardle Inn 2-0 to win the Ivy Bailey Cup.

The afternoon programme of competitions and entertainment also included Highland dancing, heavyweight events, and races for children and young adults. Other attractions included a parade around the arena by vintage tractors and cars and the pipes and drums.

Trophies and awards won in the agricultural and industrial sections were handed over by Councillor Caroline Shiers, who was presented with a floral arrangement by Annie Pyne and Grace Norwood, P1 pupils at Kirkmichael Primary School.

Speaking to the Blairie, Councillor Shiers said: “What a great day. A huge well done to the committee for organising a fantastic day. I was delighted to hand out the trophies and congratulate everyone who won.

“These events are a huge amount of work and make a great contribution to the annual calendar in our communities.

“It was great to see so many locals and indeed, so many visitors enjoying themselves.”

The gathering was brought to a close at around 5.45pm with musical cars for the Robert Sample Trophy, which was won by Callum Calder and Robert Constable.

What a great day. A huge well done to the committee for organising

Winners Kirkmichael Beginners won the Ivy Bailey Trophy in the ladies’ tug o’ war, beating Strathardle Inn 2-0, from left, Annie Winton (coach), Alaine Michie, Rachael Michie, Hannah Moore, Frankie Moore and Kaitlin Low

Creative Winners in the fancy dress competition, from left, Madeline Stenbridge as a unicorn, Sarah Andrew, Kyle Ormerod as a cow, Taylor Doland as a roadworks supervisor, Sinead Ormerod as a cowgirls, and Logan Wilkinson with his cousin James Thom as...

Standard bearers Enjoying a dram after the opening are Alec Rattray, who carried the Bannerfield Standard, Games Chieftain Sir Michael Nairn, and Chris Pye, who carried the Clan MacThomas standard