King Charles praises ‘fine traditions’ of Oldmeldrum ‘sunshine games’ as historic event returns

Competitors and heavy athletes went head to head at this year's Oldmeldrum Sports and Highland Games as thousands enjoyed themselves in the sun.

By Denny Andonova

June 17 2023, 6:21 pm

Competitors and heavy athletes went head to head at this year's Oldmeldrum Sports and Highland Games as thousands enjoyed themselves in the sun. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson

The sun was shining warm and bright as the Oldmeldrum Sports and Highland Games made a glorious return today.

Thousands packed the green lawn at the village’s Pleasure Park to watch heavy and light athletes go head to head in a heated competition of strength and resilience.

The sound of pipes soared through the air as locals and tourists flooded into the arena to witness the colourful spectacle of traditional games and sports.

Hailing decades of heritage and history, this year’s 93rd anniversary of the “sunshine sports” was all the more special.

King sends ‘good wishes’ to locals and visitors

Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire and “local loon” Sandy Manson welcomed the crowds with a heartfelt message for the “wonderful” local community from King Charles.

Lord Lieutenant for Aberdeenshire Sandy Manson officially opened the games. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson.

Having been given “a flavour of the beautiful and historic village” two years ago, His Majesty praised the “deep roots” of the event.

The crowds erupted in loud applause as Mr Manson read out the letter with wishes from the King and added he feels honoured to be the one to open the games.

The message read: “I was pleased to be reminded of the deep and historic roots of the Oldmeldrum Sports and of the fine traditions that continue to be observed.

Picture of the 200m run. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson.

“I send my warm good wishes to all those gathered for this year’s Oldmeldrum Sports along with my hopes for the most enjoyable day and memorable event.”

As a special guest of the Oldmeldrum Sports and Highland Games, Mr Manson then shared his “deep connection” with the “iconic” community gathering.

He said: “Sports day provided many happy childhood memories for me – with its kilts, its cabers, its celebrities and, of course, its candy floss.

“As a boy, I would pass this field every day in the week leading up to sports day and watch with great anticipation as the arena, the marquee and the family fair took shape.

“I think we are very lucky to live in such beautiful part of the world but we are also very lucky to see our community flourish due to the incredible work of so many volunteers.”

Oldmeldrum Sports and Highland Games wows tourists and locals

Sitting on the warm grass geared up with sunglasses and ice creams, crowds held their breath as strong athletes hurled heavy hammers and stones across the arena.

Others preferred some “lighter” entertainment and spent the day watching Highland dancing and listening to the pipe bands, whose lively music echoed through the park.

Carsten and Marlene at the Oldmeldrum Sports and Highland Games — Carsten and Marlene praised the Highland dancers and the pipe bands. Image: Denny Andonova/DC Thomson.

This was one of the highlights for Carsten Kotonski and his partner Marlene, from Munich, who have been travelling across the north in their campervan for the last week.

While they have “really enjoyed” everything along the way so far, the “sunshine sports” provided a completely different experience for them.

Mr Kotonski said: “It’s our first time here and we’ve been amazed at how wonderful Scotland is – the culture, the scenery, the gardens, the castles and now this.

“We have similar competitions in Munich, but nothing like this. It’s so interesting, so colourful and so different. It’s been a fantastic day.

“The pipe bands and the Highland dancers have definitely been a highlight for us – it’s nothing like we’ve ever seen before. And the people are so friendly and relaxed.”

Jaap Stoffer, from the Netherlands, first experienced the “incredible” Oldmeldrum Sports and Highland Games when he came for a holiday in Scotland 29 years ago.

Jaap and Nicole Stoffer at the Oldmeldrum Sports and Highland Games — Jaap and Nicole Stoffer came all the way from the Netherlands for the games. Image: Denny Andonova/ DC Thomson.

The 57-year-old was so impressed with the event that he decided there and then he would also take his wife Nicole to the games one day.

Seeing the “burst of Scottish culture and traditions” for the first time, Mrs Stoffer said: “It’s amazing – I can’t think of a better way to spend a day out, and the weather is great.

“My favourite part was the heavy athletes – I can watch them throw these stones all day. I really liked the stalls and the atmosphere, but the games are definitely the best part.”

Check out the best pictures of this year’s Oldmeldrum Sports and Highland Games

‘A great day for local businesses’

Meanwhile, Lesley and John Robb, who came with their eight-year-old daughter Ruby and son Alfie, one, were happy to have such a fun family event “right on their doorstep”.

The couple, from Oldmeldrum, hailed the event as “very well put together”, with lots of options and entertainment for both adults and children.

Dozens of local traders had the opportunity to “get their name out there”, offering arts and crafts and delicious treats for people of all tastes and likes.

While some traders said the morning was a “bit slow”, others thrived with a very successful and productive day for their independent businesses.

Carol, John and Laura McKenzie at the Oldmeldrum Sports and Highland Games. — L-R: Carol, John and Laura McKenzie. Image: Denny Andonova/DC Thomson.

Laura McKenzie had come with her parents John and Carol to watch her daughter play with the City of Aberdeen pipe band.

The 44-year-old, from Aberdeen, said: “These events make all the difference for all the small traders and businesses. It’s a really good thing for the village.

“These games – and all the Highland Games really – keep the culture alive for local communities, and that’s fantastic.”