41st Helmsdale and District Highland Games attracts visitors from across the globe
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The 41st Helmsdale Highland Games took place on Saturday, August 19, at Couper Park, and it was another fantastic Games Day, with Helmsdale welcoming visitors to the event from all over the world, writes Annalee Robertson, Helmsdale Highland Games committee member.
The arrival of Storm Betty on the Friday night did not dampen anyone’s spirits. The marquee tents stood strong overnight, and just as the Chieftains's Parade was about to commence, the sun emerged, and the weather remained glorious for the rest of the day.
The games chieftain this year was Iain Whitehead. The son of Iain and Edie Whitehead, Iain grew up in Helmsdale where he attended primary school and enjoyed his early years playing various sports, with football and golf being his main interests, along with the occasional trip on his dad’s fishing boat.
Iain continued his studies at Golspie High School, then went on to pursue a degree in civil engineering at Glasgow University. Unfortunately, whilst at university he was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, and due to difficulties associated with his condition, he was unable to pursue his chosen career. Undeterred, Iain stayed in Glasgow dedicating his time in to learning IT skills, including website design.
In 2003 Iain returned to Helmsdale to live, and became an active member of the local football community, taking on the role of treasurer for Helmsdale United. Soon after, he was voted on to the Sutherland HAS Committee as secretary, and served on the Highland Executive Committee responsible for organising the Highland Amateur Cup (HAC).
In 2006 he took on the role of secretary of the HAC and became a well-known figure throughout the Highlands and Islands football community. In 2008 he took the position of assistant secretary to the North Caledonian League, and in 2016 as secretary, where he played a pivotal role in restoring the league’s popularity, seeing the number of teams grow to its highest level since the 1990s.
Currently serving as league president, Iain has overseen the progress of the NCFA committee work in integrating the league into the Scottish Football Pyramid, so that league winners now have the opportunity to participate in the esteemed Scottish Cup.
Iain and his family have long-standing connections to the Highland Games, and in officially opening the games, he took the opportunity to pay tribute to his family, in particular his dad, brother Frankie, sister Sharon, and mam Edie, who had placed collection tins around the park to raise funds for the chieftain's chosen charities, Muscular Dystrophy UK and My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
A Police Scotland motorbike escort led the parade through the village with the chieftain's party, alongside the outgoing group of chieftains from the previous year’s 40th anniversary games.
Donnie Ross and Lorna Macrae proudly served as this year’s standard-bearers, leading the parade from the village up to Couper Park, accompanied by the magnificent mass pipe bands of Thurso, Tain, Sutherland Caledonian and Sutherland Schools.
Chairman Andrew Sutherland warmly greeted everyone and expressed his gratitude towards the patrons, sponsors and local businesses for their ongoing support.
He also extended his appreciation to retiring games committee members - Christine Cowie, Joan Murray and Fiona Sutherland - for their dedicated work over many years in ensuring the success of the games. They were honoured with a lovely bouquet of flowers presented by this year’s flower girl, Elle Withey.
A special tribute and presentation of a long-service award was given to Fiona Sutherland by Alastair Macdonald and Michael Baird of the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association (RSHGA), for her exceptional 38-year service as Helmsdale Highland Games secretary.
The Highland Games offered a jam-packed day of events and activities for all to enjoy. A full programme of competitions included piping, dancing, heavy events, track and field, fly casting, novelty events, children’s races and tug of war.
Local businesses showcased their goods around the park and in the dedicated craft tent, alongside the many food and drink stalls that were on offer. Herchers funfair provided fun for little and big kids, with the bucking bronco a highlight this year for anyone willing to give it a try!
The Scottish Championship Hill Race was a family affair, with Eoghann Gollan, Edderton, winning with a time of 26.59, and his mother, Shiela Gollan, not far behind him, taking the title of first lady home with a time of 32.01.
In the heavy events, Jamie Gunn, Halkirk, showed his strength, winning both the caber tossing (open) and best heavyweight athlete (open). Duncan Mackay, Helmsdale, earned the title of best athlete (confined) and Fred Plass, Helmsdale, won the weight for height (confined) category.
The piping category saw Angus Macphee claim trophies for best piper (open) and piobaireachd (open) while Kyle Cameron took home best piper (confined) and Strathspey (open). Harrison Watt from Resolis received the junior piping award.
Alister Mackay from Dingwall wowed the crowd, dominating the track and field events to win best athlete (open) and breaking two games' records with a remarkable high jump of 184.
Callum Crawford was recognised as best athlete (confined) and Eoghann Gollan, Edderton won the 1500 (open). In cycling, Lewis Day from Forres rode his way to victory, securing the title of best cyclist (open).
Highland dancing showcased the talents of Jenna Wilson from Dingwall who was awarded the best dancer over 16 years for both open and confined categories, and Katie Cass from Wick, who claimed the title of best dancer over 16 confined to Caithness and Sutherland, while Eilidh Budge from Halkirk was named the overall champion in the 12 years and under category.
Throughout the day, visitors were treated to performances by the Fèis Air an Oir Cèilidh Trail, a showcase of exceptionally talented young traditional musicians.
The massed pipe bands paraded around the games park, which culminated at the end of the day in a grand procession in the centre of the village.
Revellers were also treated to live music in the marquee tent bar from 5-8pm where the band Carnan from Skye entertained the crowd. At 7pm, a lively Orcadian Strip the Willow dance took place along the main street, and at 10pm the marquee dance featured the popular band, Rhythm and Reel, who kept the energetic crowd going until the wee small hours.
The Helmsdale Highland Games Committee are incredibly grateful to Chieftain Iain Whitehead, as well as the sponsors, competitors, local business and visitors who support the games.
The committee also extends a special thank-you to the dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly throughout the year and on the day of the event to make Helmsdale Highland Games such an enjoyable and successful day.
We look forward to seeing you again next year!
