Marchers pipe up as crowds flock to games

Event: International guests attend traditional gathering in fine weather

Oban Games and The Argyllshire Gathering proved itself to be an event with global appeal yesterday, with winners and spectators from across the Atlantic.

Duke of Argyll Torquhil Campbell, president of the gathering, said: “The weather has been amazing, the crowds are fantastic. It has been a wonderful games.

“We have had the best dancing entries in years – there are lots of Canadian dancers.

“We were very lucky this year to have Cruachan IV, the regimental mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

“He was a wonderful addition to the march.”

The morning march to Mossfield was led by the pipe band made up of all of the solo piping competitors, followed by the pony, thenHis Grace the Duke of Argyll and the gathering stewards.

Upon arrival at Mossfield, the group stopped for a minute to remember the people who died at the Battle of the Somme and Pipe Major WilliamLawrie, who died in November. The pipers played his famous composition The Battle of The Somme.

Senior steward of the Ar- gyllshire Gathering, Robin Nicholson, thanked MacQueen Brothers Charitable Trust for being the lead sponsor, and said: “Without their support we could not run the games. Having the support behind the games is essential.

“This year we have Cruachan, the regimental mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

“We have a lot of tourists here – I have already met 20 Americans and 15 Frenchmen.”

The piping competitions at the games are attended by elite pipers from all over the world and entry is by qualification or invitation.

Iain K MacDonald, from Ontario in Canada, was the winner of theHighland Society of London Gold Medal.

Piping steward Torquil Telfer said: “He was quite a popular winner. The Canadians did very well in that competition. In second place was Sean McEwan who is also from Canada. Third was Cameron Drummond from Edinburgh.”

The senior piobaireachd competition for past winners of the coveted gold medal, was won by Stuart Liddell, of Inveraray, for the second year running.

The piping silver medal was won by Nick Hudson, from America.

MIGHTY MARCH: The pipe band leads the parade down the street after they held aminute’s silence to remember the people who died in the Battle of Somme

Dancers were the standout performers at the show