Mallaig and Morar Games bring sunshine to the coast

The Mallaig and Morar Highland Games basked in rare and glorious sunshine as it entertained the crowds at Morar's Lovat Memorial Field on August 6.

 

Enjoying the fine weather by the coast, visitors from near and far enjoyed a wealth of attractions including traditional piping, Highland dancing, heavy events, and a variety of races.

 

These were complemented by laser clay pigeon shooting, a high jump competition, tug of war, and the chance to try one's hand at tossing the caber.

 

A bouncy castle and inflatable slide were laid on for children, whilst a selection of local food, drink and stalls was also available.

 

The games had also hosted a ceilidh the previous night, attracting around 200 people.

 

Activities on Sunday afternoon were officially opened by Games Chieftan Tearlach MacFarlane, as well as a performance by the Mallaig, Ardnamurchan and District Pipe Band.

 

As the afternoon came towards a close, piper Allan MacKenzie played two tribute pieces, including Morar Song in memory of games stalwart Donnie MacLellan.

 

A new trophy, the Donnie MacLellan Mile Trophy, was also created for this year.

 

Speaking during the event, Colin Buchanan, chairperson of the Mallaig and Morar Highland Games, said the games had lived up to its hope of being a friendly games.

 

He added: "We have a fantastic competition this year with about 32 dancers and 16 pipers. It is nothing without the competitors and the people who come to enjoy it.

 

"I would like to thank the Chieftan, Tearlach MacFarlane, a fairly legendary figure known for his knowledge of Gaelic culture. I obviously want to thank all the helpers because this doesn't happen without them. I would like to thank the Mallaig, Ardnamurchan and District Pipe Band and the sponsors. And the sun is shining for the first time in a long time, so I don't know who to thank for that!"

 

Tearlach MacFarlane, the Chieftan of the games, said: "It has been a perfect day with, I think, a record turn out and high standards of pipe music and athletic events.

 

"It has been a meeting of many friends."

 

"attachment_998917" "" "199"] Piper Allan MacKenzie played Morar Song to commemorate Donnie MacLellan.

 

"attachment_998914" "" "178"] Dancing line up. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba.photos

 

"attachment_998911" "" "300"] Young dancers take the stage. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba.photos

 

"attachment_998908" "" "300"] Start of the ladies race.. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba.photos

 

"attachment_998905" "" "300"] 'Big Boys' racing. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba.photos

 

"attachment_998902" "" "300"] A traditional part of the games, Highland dancing. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba.photos

 

"attachment_998899" "" "300"] A traditional part of the games, Highland dancing. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba.photos

 

"attachment_998896" "" "300"] Youngsters race. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba.photos

 

"attachment_998893" "" "300"] A tableful of trophies. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba.photos

 

"attachment_998890" "" "200"] Laura Robertson performs in the Junior Piping competition. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba,photos

 

"attachment_998884" "" "160"] Games Chieftain Tearlach MacFarlane officially opens the proceedings. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba.photos

 

"attachment_998881" "" "300"] The Mallaig, Ardnamurchan and District Pipe Band leads the procession into the games field. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba,photos

 

"attachment_998878" "" "189"] Leading the field in the 200m. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba,photos

 

"attachment_998854" "" "300"] Morar's Fraser Davis (r) receives the Morar Motors Trophy from Ben MacDonald for triumphing in the men's sprint.

 

"attachment_998875" "" "300"] Runners of all ages in the relay race. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba,photos

 

"attachment_998872" "" "300"] Three heavy Harts, David from Inverlochy (left) with Peter and son Byron from New Zealand. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba,photos

 

"attachment_998869" "" "300"] Inverlochy heavy athlete David Hart took local athlete awards in the games. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba,photos

 

"attachment_998866" "" "300"] There were plenty of treats on offer at the various stalls.

 

"attachment_998863" "" "300"] Highland dancers showed their moves during a hard fought competition.

 

"attachment_998857" "" "300"] Pipers take a time out during the Mallaig and Morar Highland Games.

 

"attachment_998851" "" "300"] Hill racers reach the summit at the Mallaig and Morar Highland Games.

 

"attachment_998848" "" "300"] Competitors in the the heavy events at the Mallaig and Morar Highland Games.

 

"attachment_998845" "" "300"] Highland dancers compete at the Mallaig and Morar Highland Games.

 

"attachment_998842" "" "300"] Competitors run hard in the relay race at the Mallaig and Morar Highland Games.

 

"attachment_998839" "" "300"] The dance champions at the Mallaig and Morar Highland Games.

 

"attachment_998833" "" "300"] Smiles for the winning tug-o-war team as they receive a bottle for their victory.

 

"attachment_998827" "" "300"] American Scott Hutchison (r) receives his trophy from games chief Colin Buchanan after winning the heavy events.

 

"attachment_998830" "" "300"] Feeling the strain during tug-o-war at the Mallaig and Morar Highland Games.

 

"attachment_998824" "" "300"] Robyn MacDonald (r) receives the Ian MacDonald Trophy for her 100m triump, presented by Margaret Henderson.

 

"attachment_998836" "" "199"] Hector Finlayson picked up a trio of piping awards at the Mallaig and Morar Highland Games.