Skye Games shows
An historic 141 years of a unique and proud way of life was celebrated on Portree’s famous Lump last Wednesday at the annual Isle of Skye Highland Games.
And tradition continued with the weather this year, with the customary downpour on the Wednesday giving way to clear spells just in time for the games.
The day saw fewer numbers in attendance than previous years, owing to a fatal accident in the morning which closed the A87 north of Sligachan for almost 12 hours.
Honorary secretary Allan Stewart said: ‘The committee was very sorry to hear of the tragic accident which took place early in the morning of games day.
‘Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this sad time. This obviously put a cloud over what is one of the busiest days in our calendar.’
Despite no records being broken this year and a fewer numbers of residents and visitors, the 2018 event was packed with spectators and saw competitors from across Scotland and other parts of the world compete against each other in the traditional heavy field events, athletics, piping and Highland dancing.
Three Bernisdale competitors particularly shone on the day: Martin Munsie in the heavy competitions, Ewen Bradley in the field and track, and Malin Lewis in the piping.
Highlight of the games was the heavy competitions where giant competitors pitted their strengths against each other in an open and spectacular display of muscle and might. The heavies showed off their talents at throwing hammers, 28lb and 56lb weights, putting the stone, tossing the caber and hurling a massive weight over a very high bar … backwards.
Reigning world champion Lucasz Wenta proved the strongest on the day taking home the Isle of Skye Estate Agency Trophy for best competitor in open heavy events.
Martin Munsie was awarded the Rosemary Nicholson Trophy for best local competitor.
On the track and sand, Ewen Bradley sprinted home with the Robertson Memorial Challenge Cup for Best all round local athlete after winning a number of trophies including the two, four and eight-lap races and the long jump.
The Toronto Cup for best all round local piper went to Malin Lewis who took home a number of coveted trophies on the day for his outstanding performances.
Edinbane’s Archie MacLean won the Dougie MacLeod Cup for best all-round local piping (under 18) as well as