CAMPBELTOWN

Calling all Highland Games heavyweights!

Campbeltown is set to host its second 21st century Highland heavyweight competition next weekend. Last year saw the first Campbeltown Highland Games for around 20 years, and it proved so successful, despite dull, drizzly weather, that a second will be held next Saturday, on September 22. The 2018 Campbeltown Highland Games, featuring music, dancing and more, will take place on the Hospital Field. There will be the traditional heavyweight games, including the caber toss and tug ‘o war, as well as more athletic competitions, some Courier-sponsored, including 100m, 200m races and fun races. The Games committee has built on its success to attract a huge number of sponsors this year. Glen Scotia Distillery, which has supplied 12 bottles as prizes, is the main sponsor. Drams will be available in the entertainment tent, which also boasts a number of live music acts, all day, and there may be a barrel-rolling competition. There is also a beer and catering tent from Argyll Bakeries and Cadenheads will have a stall featuring its whisky, gin and rum. Further whisky prizes come in the form of special bottles from Springbank and a number of miniatures. Track and field sponsors include the Campbeltown Courier, Jog Scotland, Active Schools, Campbeltown Running Club, MOK Run, McFadyens Transport Ltd and Campbeltown Young Farmers. A Highland Games spokesperson said: ‘We have lots of events and races for juniors, men and ladies with cash prizes in each category and trophies for overall winners. ‘In addition there are chocolates for prizes for the popular fun races – sack race, the three legged and wheelbarrow. ‘We’d love to get some team entries in for the tug o’ war which offers great cash prizes, whisky and trophies.’ The day kicks off at 1pm, finishing off at 6pm with an entry fee of £5 for adults and £2 for children, which includes a programme. However, there is no extra charge to take part in any of the events, competitors just sign up for free at the secretary’s tent in the middle of the field. Anybody who fancies themself as a Highland heavyweight hero should jump to the Hospital Field next Saturday.