The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Local heroes star at games:
Ewan McGregor and Denis Lawson prove forces for good.
One of the proudest families in the galaxy looked on at the weekend as Jim McGregor stepped forward to take the salute to the chieftain at Crieff Highland Gathering.
He was given the honour after 40 years of supporting the annual event and was joined by superstar son Ewan.
The Trainspotting and Star Wars star took to social media to wish his dad all the best ahead of the event, saying “Good luck Dad. We are all so proud of you.”
He then made the day of hundreds of visitors to the Market Park by joining Jim at the gathering.
Ewan assumed as low key a presence as a homegrown Hollywood star can, to let retired teacher Jim take centre stage.
Father and son shared a laugh during the event with another celebrated son of the town, Local Hero star and Ewan’s uncle, Denis Lawson.
The traditional march by the event’s massed piped bands ushered in another hugely successful event for Crieff.
It is one of the biggest events on the Highland games calendar and was once again attended by hundreds of spectators of all ages.
They enjoyed a day packed with fun, competition and sporting endeavour on Market Park – and throughout the town.
Competition kicked off with the Tartan Dash, which saw participants of all ages and abilities don a kilt to run, jog and walk through the town centre.
The main action, however, was as ever focused upon the Market Park which filled swiftly and stayed thronged throughout the event.
Organisers were delighted to see the weather playing a supporting role too as, despite grey skies, there was no rain.
The Scottish Heavyweight Championship brought together an impressive selection of athletes, including well known faces such as Lorne Colthart and Lucas Wenta.
There were several piping performances during the day ahead of the mass pipes finale, where chieftain Jim took the final salute.
Highland dancing also allowed many young competitors to impress judges and onlookers alike.
Two giant maps, filled with pins, once again enabled organisers to see just how many nations their huge audience hailed from.
It was heartwarming to see homecoming hero Ewan McGregor mingle with the crowds at Crieff Highland Games. The superstar, more used to the Californian sunshine than Strathearn chill, remains a keen supporter of local events and was especially proud to see his father named as Games Chieftain. His typically low-key appearance — he wanted the focus to remain on dad, Jim — may seem a small thing but the benefit to the town is incalculable.