A busy weekend with a number of events in Inverness including my first Highland games.

MORE than 7000 people turned out for fun in the sun at the latest Inverness Highland Games.

An estimated total, based on ticket sales because children are admitted free to the event at the city’s Bught Park, at this year’s games featured a major clan gathering alongside music, Highland dancing, heavy competitions and sideshows.

Councillor Graham Ross, chairman of Highland Council’s events and festivals committee, said: “I think it was an absolutely fantastic event. It’s been a superb crowd and the competition has been fantastic.

“The standard of the heavies and the athletes has been absolutely brilliant – and the sun even shone.”

Czech competitor Vlad Tuluack narrowly missed out on an attempt to break the games record for the weight over the bar but was victorious in the Inverness Stone competition.

Several junior athletes also broke games records: Holly Whittaker (Elgin AAC), 3.59m, under 11 girls long jump; Mica McCloud (Pitreavie AAC), 14 seconds, U13 girls 100m race; Aaliyah McCloud (Pitreavie AAC), 4.35m, U13 girls long jump; Archie Smith (Nairn AAC), 3.69m, U11 boys long jump; Jelle Kreeft (Netherlands), 8.84m, U13 boys shot putt; James Rollo (Inverness Harriers), U15 boys shot putt, 12.25m.

From the Inverness Courier on Tuesday, July 23, 2019.

City proud to host top events over weekend

 THERE was a spirit of inclusion in Inverness on Sunday as Proud Ness marched through the city towards a gala at Bught Park.

It was the culmination of a weekend of high-profile events in the city which also included a strongman and strongwoman competition and Inverness Highland Games on Friday and Saturday.

Also at the gala was Ruff Ness which was described by organisers as the world’s first Highland Games for dogs with attitude.

Organiser Lisa McKelvie, from Drakies, said it was something for local people to do with their dogs and added: “There’s not much for people to do and this is the first one. It is good for the community.”

Toni Pounder, who had travelled to the gala from Laggan, said: “I think it’s great. I am glad to see so many people and it hasn’t rained as much as expected.”

Joan Davidson, had travelled from Lanark, and said: “I think it’s been a really good weekend.”

And 12-year-old Kadie Robertson, from Hilton, was proud to take part in the pride parade and said: “It was like a fantasy – everyone was in such bright colours.”

While the weather was kind on Sunday torrential rain proved an added challenge for competitors in this year’s Highland Strongman and Strongwoman contest on Friday.

Grip proved tricky in the wet conditions but it did not dampen the enthusiasm or friendly rivalry of those taking part.

A total of four women and eight men were hoping to take the honours in the competition which is now in its seventh year.

After a fairly tough contest Mary Anderson and Jamie Gorrian took this year’s titles and organiser Gavin Laird said there had been a massive attendance from a supportive crowd.

He added: “There was a strong turnout this year, especially from the men, and it is good to see so many competing in Highland Strongwoman.”

Donna Kellacher, from Hilton, thought it was a good event for the Highlands.

From the Inverness Courier on  Tuesday, July 23, 2019.