New generation host record games

A record number of spectators attended the Morvern Highland Games on Saturday as the crowds enjoyed a ‘buzzing’ atmosphere in what was the inaugural games for the new fivestrong committee.

As the sun shone down on Lochaline’s Knock Park, there was a feeling of relief among the organisers as they they managed to avoid a repeat of last year’s event, which came close to being cancelled due to gale force winds and heavy rain.

Instead, the committee were treated to a day of sunshine and revelry as a huge crowd of locals and visitors flocked to the games field to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a fine display of traditional music, dance and sport.

In the 31-year history of the Morvern Highland Games, this year had the highest number of people involved in the event with almost 25 stalls on show, including seafood from Mull, baked goods from Skye and the local sailing club.

Riona Whyte, chairwoman of the Morvern Games committee, said: ‘We’ve been blessed this year with the sunshine - it’s a big improvement from last year!

‘It was a really fantastic turnout and we’ve made some improvements to the events this year. It’s the biggest event in the calendar here and it’s great that the community come along and support it.

‘There’s a brand new committee in charge this year so we are just continually making improvements. We also received money this year from the Morvern Community Trust for generators and tents, so that’s been a big help.’

The heavy events attracted plenty of oohs and aahs from the crowd as a field of seven competitors, which included just two locals, tried their hand at the hammer and the shot put.

Both children and adults were involved in the track and field events, which again kept the crowd entertained.

Away from the sporting events there was a fine show

of Highland dancing from the Lochaline Highland Dancers who, tutored by Vicky Horn, made their first appearance at the games.

Chieftain Angus Robertson said: ‘We have had three really washed out years here and everybody remembers the games as a sunny and happy day, so we are long overdue good weather and I’m glad everyone is in the sun and happy again.

‘It’s a great honour to be chieftain. It’s a very traditional event that’s been happening for so many years, so it’s a great honour to be asked to be part of that. I’m delighted, especially to do it this year with a record number of stalls and people involved. And it’s all because of the new committee. The games are coming into a new era – it’s very positive.’

Mr Robertson has been an enthusiastic supporter of the games since its rebirth in 1987, assisting the then Sporting Club of Lochaline in securing the future of Knock Park for this and future generations.

Speaking about the new committee he added: ‘It’s not necessarily new people or families, it’s just the next generation of the families that have been associated with the games for more than 70 years. There’s been a really nice feeling this year and it’s just buzzing!’

The committee would like to thank all sponsors, advertisers, Morvern Community Trust, Ardtornish Estate, Ardtornish Hydro Fund, all the volunteers and everyone attending or contributing to the events throughout the week.

The crowds were treated to a great day of entertainment in fine weather.

Mull and Iona Pipe Band open the Morvern Games.

Becky Jones and Rowan Willis of Lochaline Highland Dancers put on a show.

Strontian Scouts had a couple of stalls, including this water cannon.

Paul Dearie winds up for a throw.

Alasdair Davidson gets set in the shot put.

Chieftain Angus Robertson opens the games.

Alasdair Firth with his book on Morvern woodlands was there with his wife Sam and motherin-law Rose Luckman. The trio were there on behalf of Morvern Community Woodlands.

Runners line up for the mixed lap race.

Helen Jones was the first Lochaline dancer to perform at the games.

Face painting added a splash of colour.

Barry Hawthorn from Isle of Skye Bakery Co.