Games success despite day of ferry failures

By Colin Smeeton

 

Plans for a successful Brodick Highland Games were nearly scuppered on Saturday when ferry cancellations and delays were announced, both in the morning as visitors and participants tried to reach the island and later in the day when they wanted to return home.

 

Despite passengers and organisers’ disappointment and concerns, the event went ahead with minimal change owing to a schedule that was rapidly adapted to suit the delays and through the positive attitude of those determined to not let a good day be ruined by events outwith their control.

 

After morning cancellations, the visiting pipe bands finally arrived on the delayed 9.45am sailing arriving from Ardrossan. In an effort to make up time, members of  Arran Pipe Band helped Arran Music School’s pipe band to tune-up so that by the time the tutor arrived they would be ready to perform.

 

Arran Pipe Band and visiting pipe bands forfeited their customary break by marching all the way to Ormidale Park and by immediately performing in the massed band march.

 

Later that afternoon, after a long day in the sunshine and numerous performances, they marched back to the ferry terminal to catch the 7.20pm sailing, but passengers were informed creel ropes had been caught up in the propulsion system of MV Caledonian Isles and that the next ferry would be after 9pm.

 

At first, the traditional pipe band performance and the send-off from Arran Pipe Band was in doubt as passengers rushed into the queue to catch the next ferry which was operating on a first-come-first-serve basis. But then, some pipe band members from the visiting bands started playing in the queue and others started to join in.

 

It was not long before pipers and drummers were coming in from all directions to join the assembly. And it was not the lament being played; the bands lightened the mood by playing the 'hokey-cokey' and 'Happy Birthday' to one of the band members who was celebrating his birthday.

 

The appreciative audience was then treated to some of the more popular tunes which, it is fair to say, helped create an almost festival-like atmosphere.

 

Despite reports in one national newspaper, the police were not called to deal with ‘aggressive behaviour’ but to offer their support.

 

Arran Sergeant Kevin Blackley told the Banner: ‘We attended due to the high number of people who had potential to be stranded on the island and the possibility that a major incident could be declared because of that. I did not see or hear of any staff being abused and found it was more of a party atmosphere with pipe bands in the queue playing in the good weather.'

 

The positivity continued up to the time of the ferry departure – which accommodated all of the passengers – when, upon hearing of stranded passengers, Liz Mclean, manager of the Brodick Co-op, arrived with members of staff and provided refreshments for all the waiting passengers and performers. Members of Brodick Primary School Parent Council also arrived, with refreshments.

 

The day was summed up by a member of Kilbarchan Pipe Band who said: ‘The band was delighted to be invited back this year after Covid and even with ferry delays, both going and back, we had a fantastic day.'

 

"attachment_764029" "" "300"] Members of the Isle of Cumbrae Pipe Band enjoy an impromtu dance.

 

Members of the Isle of Cumbrae Pipe Band enjoy an impromtu dance. 01_B32Ferries01

 

Disappointment turns into revelry as the pipe bands perform during their wait for the next ferry. 01_B32Ferries02