THOUSANDS of visitors descended on Deeside yesterday for Ballater’s 137th Highland games.
Monaltrie Park was bursting at the seams as an estimated 5,000-strong crowd gathered to watch athletes, musicians and dancers from across the world.
Games organisers had feared the worst when heavy morning rain threatened to turn the arena into a quagmire.
But weather conditions improved dramatically and by the afternoon spectators were bathed in warm sunshine.
Secretary Edward Anderson said: “It was not looking good in the morning and we were all relieved when things dried up.
“We’ve had another tremendous turnout and once again we’ve welcomed a large number of overseas visitors. We haven’t made any changes to the programme of events and people obviously like what they see.”
One of those soaking up the traditional Highland games atmosphere was former Scotland rugby star Gavin Hastings.
He said: “We’re on holiday in the area and thought we would come along.
“It really is a great atmosphere and the setting here at Ballater is spectacular.”
American visitor Mark Connors, 44, from Bronxville, New York, rated the hill race as tough as the New York marathon.
Mr Connors, on holiday with sons Jack, 14, Sam, 12, and Eddie, 9, added: “It’s really great to be here. I’ve heard so much about the games and it was a real thrill to take part.”
There was a warm welcome for chieftain of the games for more than 60 years, Captain Alwyne Farquharson of Invercauld, 91.
The Royal Guard B Company, Royal Scots Borderers, and the pipes and drums of four bands, then paraded round the arena.
Local dancing
Highland fling, under 9 – Jessica Lindsay, Ballogie; 9-12 – Alicia Dinnie; 13-16 – Eva Handsley, Glassel.
Adults – Anne Marshall, Craigievar. Swords, under 9 – Jessica Lindsay, Ballogie; 9-1 – Rachael Taylor, Alford; 13-16 - Danielle Dinnie, Alford.
Adults – Anne Marshall, Craigievar. Seann truibhas, 9-1 – Rachael Taylor; 13-16 – Danielle Dinnie.
Adults – Anne Marshall.
Open dancing
Highland fling, adults – Laura Smith, Cairnie.
Sean truibhas adults – Laura Smith, Cairnie.
Highland fling, 12 and under – Airlie McIntyre; 13-16 – Rachael Walker, Fettercairn.
Piping
Marches, local – James McPetrie, Aboyne.
Strathspey and reel, local – Calum Brown, Peterculter
Marches, under 14, open – Calum Brown, Peterculter; 17 and
under, open – Calum Brown,
Peterculter.
Slow marches, under 14, open – Calum Brown, Peterculter.
Strathspey and reel for boys and girls, 17 and under, open – James McPetrie, Aboyne.
Track
100yd, men, 16 and over, local – Fraser Davidson, Torphins.
100yd, women, 16 and over, open – Holly Belch, Bearsden.
100yd, men, 16 and over, open – Tom Brodie, Kemnay.
440yd, 16 and over, local – Craig Chalmers, Banchory.
Girls’ race 8-11, handicap, open – Katie Melton, Ballater.
220yd, 16 and over, open – Mark Connors, New York.
440yd, women, 16 and over – Harriet Cross, Crathie.
Boys’ race, 12-15 handicap, open – Finlay Forrester, Aberdeen.
Girls’ race, 12-15 handicap, open – Natalie Brown, Aberdeen.
440yd race, men, 16 and over, open – Myles Edwards, Aberdeen.
Half-mile race, 16 and over, open – Myles Edwards.
Field light
Long leap, 16 and over, open – Anthony Daffurn, Coatbridge; 16 and over, local – Fraser Davidson
Hop, step and leap, 16 and over, open – Anthony Daffurn.
Field heavy
Light hammer, local – Grant Sinclair, Drumoak.
Light stone, local – Grant Sinclair, Drumoak.
Throwing 28lb weight, local - Grant Sinclair.
Tossing the caber, local - Grant Sinclair.
Light hammer, open - Bruce Aitken, Auchenblae.
Open dancing
Sword dance, adult - Laura Boyle
Sword dance, 12 years and under - Airlie McIntyre
Reel of tulloch, adult - Duncan Slessor
Seann truibhas, 13-16 years - Rachel Walker
Sailors hornpipe, 12 years and under - Catriona Deupe
Sailors hornpipe, adults - Laura Smith
Irish jig, 13-16 years - Rachel Walker
Irish jig, adults - Duncan Slessor
Piping
Marches - Pamela Whyte
Strathspey and reel - Jeremy Lawson
Track events
Hop, step and leap - Fraser Davidson
High leap, open - Anthony Daffon
High leap, locals - Fraser Davidson
Tug o war - Elgin team
Heavy hammer - Bruce Aitken
Light stone - Dominil Zielnski
Heavy stone - Bruce Robb
Throwing the weight - Craig Sinclair
Tossing the caber - Bruce Robb
Throwing the weight over the bar - Dominil Zielnski