Durness Highland Gathering stalwart Janet Cordiner steps down after more than 30 years’ service
“The best Games in the Highlands”.
“A fantastic day!”
“Thank you for the welcome”.
“What a great day and event”.
These were just some of the comments I heard while walking around the Durness Games field last Friday, writes Andy Walker, the event’s official photographer.
The 2025 Durness Highland Gathering was a resounding success, with over 1,500 locals, visitors, and competitors alike enjoying a day of traditional events, delicious food and drink, and the ever-popular Vintage Rally.
The day began with the inauguration of this year’s chieftain, John Miller, in the village square. This was followed by a march to the Games field, where the event opened at 12.30pm.
There was a fun-filled and action-packed day of piping, track, and heavy events, alongside traditional Scottish dancing, vintage tractor and engine displays, and rally and novelty events.
This year, the heavy events were complemented by our first female competitors in the open events.
Vladislav Tulaceck from the Czech Republic, a regular attendee and a great supporter of the Durness Highland Games, graced us with his presence again after a year’s absence.
Never one to shy away from setting records at Durness and beyond, he broke his own record for the 56lb Weight over the Bar event, achieving 17ft 8in, some 6in greater than his previous record set in 2022.
The day ended with the traditional men's and ladies’ tug-of-war finale, with both winning teams donating their winnings to a local charity or cause. This year, the recipient was the Durness Village Hall Fund.
Of particular note this year was the retirement of Janet Cordiner, the heavies’ clerk. Janet supported the Durness Highland Gathering for over 30 years, first as a committee member and then as the heavies’ clerk. She was a very popular figure among all the competitors.
We thank her for all her help and commitment over the years and wish her well in her retirement. She will be very much missed.
The day ended with a dance in the village hall, supported this year by the Davy Cowan Band. It was a fantastic way to end a great day.
The Durness Highland Gathering Committee would like to thank everyone once again for their support.
Without the support of the local community, our helpers during the build-up and on the day, our brilliant sponsors, Moray Security Logistics, the medical team providing first aid on the day, Matthew Bulch of Assynt Electrical who set up the power in the field, our brilliant judges, and our visitors and competitors, the day would not be the success that it is. Nor would it be possible to host such an event.
We look forward to welcoming you once again at the 2026 Durness Highland Gathering, which will be held on Friday, July 24.
If you have a story for the Northern Times, please email: editor@northern-times.co.uk