Organisers hoping sun will shine on series of fun-filled events

Highland games organisers are hoping summer will show up for a brace of events in Angus this week.

Tomorrow, Forter Haugh will be the traditional venue for the 148th annual gathering of the Glenisla Highland and Friendly Society, an event which draws participants and visitors from across the globe thanks to its intimate setting and friendly reputation.

Towie and District Pipe Band will open the games at 12.30pm to signal the start of the full programme of heavy events, piping, dancing and children’s races.

The games also feature the testing Mount Blair hill race, with runners aiming to beat a record which has stood since 1992.

The hill race is being sponsored by Clan MacThomas, who will be out in big numbers at the games ahead of their August 27 re-enactment in the glen of the final feud between the clan and the Farquharsons.

Montrose takes up the baton on Sunday for the town’s third junior Highland games, being staged at the sports field adjacent to the town sports centre.

Heavyweight champions Bruce Aitken and Pete Hart will join the youngsters and give them encouragement in the traditional games events.

Forfar and Laurencekirk pipe bands are also lined up to play, and the chieftain will once again be Ross Thomson. The event will also see the continuation of a long-standing town tradition with the coronation of the town’s 74th Rose Queen, Freya Pirie, accompanied by her Rose maids and Rose buds.

The Queen and her maids are chosen from third-year at Montrose Academy, with this year’s buds from Southesk Primary.