World record set at Assynt Highland Games
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There was huge excitement at Assynt Highland Games last Friday when a new world record was set in the competitive weight-over-the-bar class.
Visiting 6ft 8in Californian heavy Colin Dunbar, in a mighty heave, threw the 56lb weight 17ft 4in over the bar.
Spectators and competitors at the Culag Park Games Field immediately erupted into cheers.
The previous Scottish Highland Games Association (SHGA) record of 17ft 1.5in was set by Kyrill Chuprinine of Ukraine. and has stood for 19 years.
A Games spokeswoman said: “Official confirmation of the new record is awaited but we are all very excitied.”
Games chieftain for 2019, Lochinver man Duncan Hutchison, was quick to congratulate Mr Dunbar.
Oganisers had a tricky start to the day with overnight gales creating some damage, but by mid-morning Culag Park at Lochinver harbour looked resplendent. A dull start, gusting wind and light drizzle did nothing to dampen the spirits of spectators who flocked to the event.
Following tradition, Mr Hutchison and his family made a dramatic arrival in a bunting bedecked barge and stepped ashore to be welcomed by former chieftains and a large crowd. He was then presented with a Cromag, his badge of office, and took pride of place at the front of a procession, led by the Ullapool and Sutherland Schools pipe bands, which marched to the Games park.
The honour of becoming chieftain was awarded to Mr Hutchison in recognition of his years of charity fundraising for local causes and also his epic attempt last year to row the Atlantic solo. Mr Hutchison had to rescued in stormy seas 800 miles off Land’s End and his boat drifted north for six months before washing up in northern Norway.
The battle-scarred skiff , Sleipner, was on display at the Games. and attracted much attention.
A full programme of events ensured entertainment throughout the afternoon from the hilarious fun of the children’s races to the awesome performance of the heavies in the highly competitive field and track events.
There was good entry into a new event – the MacRae Hill Race, an advanced race over 9 km with a climb of 400 metres. The race has been established in memory of Allan MacRae, the remarkable and highly respected co-founder of the Assynt Crofters and winner of the Ben Nevis Race. The race was well contested and was won by Jake Stephenson of North Yorkshire in an amazing time of 40m 45s. He claims the new Alan MacRae trophy.
Superb standards were demonstrated during the piping and Highland dancing competitions, although the wet conditions forced the latter to move from the platform in the park to the leisure centre.
The fly-casting competition was challenging, as competitors had to demonstrate considerable skill, directionally casting in the strong winds.
A spokeswoman said: “It was a great day despite difficult weather conditions.
“Organisers were gratified to read the excellent comments on the event survey forms. Most mentioned the special atmosphere at the Games – friendly fun in the intimate atmosphere of Culag Park.”
