‘One of the best’ Highland Games attracts record crowd

On offer for visitors was an assortment of running races, from toddlers to seniors, a children’s fancy dress competition, Highland dancing competitions and a mass parade by all the pipe bands.

The biggest spectacle, as usual, was the heavy events which attracted 17 male and female competitors who travelled from all around the country to take part in the five disciplines offered by the Brodick Games.

Regular compère Alan Pettigrew provided spectators with a knowledgable history of all of the disciplines which included putting the ball, throwing the weight for distance, throwing the hammer, throwing the weight for height and tossing the caber.

While Daniel Carlin worked towards earning himself the Reverend James Currie Cup for the competitor with the highest score in heavy events, and Mhairi Porterfield earned herself the new A McKelvie Cup as the ladies champion, locals Archie McNicol and Ross Dobson were battling it out in the 100 metre race for the coveted Lady Jean Fforde Cup.

Following an afternoon of spectacular sportsmanship and prowess, a trophy presentation was held with Ernie Weir of Machrie receiving the Wm Cook and Sons Trophy for the best caber toss and the Tom Dolan Challenge Trophy for the local with most points in the heavy events.

Andrew Lee won the Tom Dickie Trophy in the 880 yard race while Archie McNicol won the Lady Jean Fforde Cup with victory in the 100m men’s race. Julietta Gray took the Bob Cameron Trophy in the female 100m category and the Ormidale Trophy for her outstanding contribution by a female competitor. Winning the under 12 category and the Stewart Dickie Trophy was Thomas McColl and Isla Preston.

Overall male winner, Daniel Carlin of Barrhead, also won the Rodden Middleton Rosebowl for gaining the most points in the hammer.

In the adult category of the Highland dancing, Enya O’Donnell of Glasgow won the Arran Banner Trophy in the Highland category while Kelsie Clarke of Melbourne Australia took the national title and the Ormidale Hotel Shield.

The day concluded with the customary march of the pipe bands, from the playing field to the ferry terminal, where the bands performed for the assembled crowds who waved off the competitors, performers and visitors as they departed on the ferry.