International crowd enjoy self-styled ‘people’s games’
It was a dreich day – but not for the huge crowd which made its way to Mossfield Stadium to enjoy The Lorne Highland Games after a year-long break, writes Louise Glen.
On the large pitch more than 100 competitors took part in a range of games and events suited for all the family.
From bungee jumping, running and throwing the hammer there was something for everyone on and off the pitch.
Special mention must be made of the number of parents who got their children to the pitch on time for various sinty matches and junior rugby.
It was with great delight for many that the games’ association with Oban Lorne Rugby Football Club continued – this time in honouring local woman Dee Bradbury as chieftain.
Ms Bradbury has been a strong advocate of the games from its inception, as the vice- president of the Scottish Rugby Union.
In her opening remarks Ms Bradbury said she understood the effort required to put on the annual event.
She continued: ‘Some of our competitors today will have trained for many years and travelled some distance to compete and I sincerely hope that you will support them all and leave today with an appreciation of the fine tradi- tions of a Scottish Highland Games.’
Chairman of the games committee, Ronnie McIlquham from Ardfern called this year’s games ‘excellent’.
Mr McIlquham said: ‘It is good to see the games up and running and we are very pleased with the size of the crowd,
‘I would like to say a special thank-you to everyone from sponsors to volunteers for pulling together to make these games work.’
It was a record-breaking day for some events. In the open 200 metres David Allan shaved 0.8 of a second off the field record. Luke Trayner took seven seconds off the 400 metre event, 0.12 seconds from the 1600 record. Alistair McLeod set a new record for the Hill Race – completing it in 51 minutes.
Lorne Coulthart threw 132ft 6ins in the light hammer which was three inches further than the field record of 129ft 5ins. Lucas Wenta threw 54ft 5ins in the short putt 16lb open over 53ft 10ins, and in the 22lb open he threw 45ft 4ins, more than one inch farther than the field record.
Finbar Dunne, best known for his athletics ability put 16 inches on the 16lb shot put record for juniors throwing 40ft 10ins.
Eilidh Cameron shortened the run on the 90 metre by almost 0.30 seconds
In Highland dancing the novice trophy passed to Erin Jackson, the intermediate trophy and the premier under-13 trophy was was won by Solana McMurchy, the premier adult trophy was won by Katie MacPherson.
In the craft and produce tent notable winners were May Tosh and Jacqueline Cullen in photography, D Crowe for a crocheted baby blanket, Fiona MacPhee for a knitted tea cosy, C Sherer for pear chutney.
Junior sections saw Kate Russell win the three homemade decorated cup cakes, Alyss MacDonald won the umbrella design and decorated flowerpot, Elaina Ramsey won the competition for the decoration of a stone and Caden Crawford drew the best picture of a rainbow.
More photos can be viewed online.