‘Voice of the Highland Games’ Robbie Shepherd remembered at Aboyne Games

Thousands of people turned out for Aboyne Highland Games today, where tributes to veteran compere and broadcaster Robbie Shepherd were paid. Check out our full wrap of the day, including the results.

By Shona Gossip

August 5 2023, 8:25 pm

The massed pipe bands, led by Drum Major Bill Barclay, delighted the crowd at Aboyne Highland Games 2023. Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson

A hush fell over Aboyne Green today as the “voice of the Highland Games” was remembered.

Robbie Shepherd, who died this week aged 87, compered dozens of games on the Grampian circuit, and was often spotted “with a microphone in one hand and a whisky in the other”.

Today, as Aboyne Highland Games got under way tributes were paid to the veteran broadcaster.

Robbie Shepherd holds a clipboard and smiles at a previous Highland Games. In the background, fellow compere Robert Lovie in a tan tweed jacket. — Robbie Shepherd was described as the “voice of the Highland Games” today. Image: David Whittaker-Smith/DC Thomson

And on a day filled with the familiar swirl of massed band favourites, it was a previously unheard tune played on a single fiddle that brought the arena to near-silence.

Lament to Robbie Shepherd was written by renowned Tarland fiddler Paul Anderson and his debut performance of it provided a poignant pause for the crowd to reflect on the loss of such a well-loved local figure.

As the last notes faded, a huge round of applause broke out in appreciation of the huge contribution made by Mr Shepherd over many years.

A lone piper, wearing a red kilt, performs on stage in a solo piping competition. — Pipers, Highland dancers, heavy weights and athletes all competed at Aboyne Highland Games today. Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson

‘We will always miss that voice’

“We will always miss that voice,” chieftain Granville Gordon, the Marquis of Huntly, told the crowd.

“Wandering around the green with his microphone – and very often a glass of whisky too.”

Mr Shepherd was a “regular fixture” and a “dear friend” of the Highland Games circuit, games chairman Daniel Robb added.

“While games competitors, committee members, judges and helpers would change, Robbie remained the constant.

“That smiling face and unmistakable voice, in the north-east Doric, that made everyone feel most welcome and always in good company.

“Robbie was a modest man and, although an entertainer, he insisted his role at the games was to inform and enthuse the crowd but never to take the limelight.

“The thoughts and condolences of everyone here at Aboyne go out to Robbie’s family.”

Four people sat in white ponchos watch the action at Aboyne Games 2023. — Rain failed to deter the spectators at Aboyne Highland Games today. Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson

Don’t miss: Gallery of Aboyne Games 2023 here

Royal seal of approval for 2023 Aboyne Highland Games

From then on, it was business as usual – with a packed programme of Highland dancing and piping competitions and eight heavy events.

The bandstands were packed with people under brollies, and they remained in good spirits despite the heavy showers.

Three very special guests also enjoyed the spectacle this year.

Two pipers, in formal Scottish attire, lead the King and Queen of Warri onto the field. The queen wears a long blush coloured dress while the king has a navy robe and hat on. They are walking under umbrellas through the crowd. — The King and Queen of Warri attended Aboyne Highland Games this year.<br />Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson

The King and Queen of Warri, a kingdom in south Nigeria, were piped onto the field by Rory and Andrew Hector where they were met by the games officials.

The royal couple were in Aberdeen for the unveiling of a plaque to missionary Mary Slessor, who helped protect women and children’s rights in Nigeria, and decided to experience Scotland’s traditional games while in the area.

Crowds sit in the bandstand wearing waterproofs and hiding under umbrellas. — The rain failed to dampen spirits at Aboyne Highland Games – with the bandstands busy and trade stalls bustling. Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson

Meanwhile, Lord Lyon King of Arms helped members of clans Burnett and Irvine celebrate a special anniversary.

It is 700 years since the families of the Burnett of Leys and Irvine of Drum arrived on Deeside. To mark the milestone, the week-long Burnett Gathering has brought people from across the world to the region, and today members of both clans came together to take in the games.

Kyle Randalls swings the light hammer, wearing a kilt and dark t-shirt. — Kyle Randalls competing in the light hammer at Aboyne Highland Games. Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson

Visitors from around the world attend

Among those who have travelled from afar for the gathering was Penny Burnett.

The 77-year-old, her husband, daughter and son-in-law came from Perth, Australia, to join the celebrations and were enjoying their first visit to the Highland Games.

Mrs Burnett said: “I’ve been to Scotland four times, but this is my first Highland Games and it’s been fantastic despite the drizzle. I’ve really enjoyed the atmosphere, the music, the pipes – there’s a really happy mood to the day.”

Two Highland dancers smile as they look ahead. One wears a green waistcoat and kilt while the other girl, under a red and blue umbrella, wears a pink kilt. — Highland dancers took cover between routines at Aboyne Highland Games. Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson

Other visitors from New Zealand, the US, Canada, Thailand, Japan, China, Argentina also enjoyed the spectacle.

Nardi Roorda and Tonny Roeterdink, from the Netherlands, are on a tour of Scotland and decided to stop off in Aboyne after previously enjoying Inveraray Highland Games in 2008.

They said: “We don’t have anything like this back home.

“It’s the completeness of the day – bringing together different games, sports and dancing, the costumes that we like.”

Two Highland dancers on stage. The front dancer wears a purple kilt and waistcoat, while the second at the back is in green. — The Highland dancers and their colourful outfits were a highlight for many of the visitors to Aboyne Highland Games.<br />Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson

The massed pipe bands – featuring Deeside Caledonia, Newtonhill, Ellon, Towie and Huntly and District bands and led by Drum Major Bill Barclay – proved popular across the arena – with many spectators racing to get photos and videos of the impressive procession.

The tug o’war contests, featuring Cornhill, Strathdee and the Royal Guard teams, were also a hit and cheers of support could be heard as competitors dug into the soggy ground.

Six members of the Cornhill tug o'war team pull on the rope. They wear the team's mustard yellow rugby shirt, jeans and boots as they dig into the ground, pulling the rope. — Cornhill tug ‘o war team in action at the Aboyne Highland Games. Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson

‘It’s been a good day’

Games secretary Morag McBeath was delighted with how the day went, particularly given the weather.

She said when news of Mr Shepherd’s death broke earlier this week, the whole committee felt it was important to give a fitting tribute to him today.

“Robbie was the voice of the Highland Games,” she said. “Paul Anderson wrote a lament for him which was well received today. Robbie is going to be greatly missed by us all.

“We’re pleased so many people turned out today, and despite the weather we’ve had good numbers – even when some people left because it was so wet others were still coming in. It’s been a good day.”

Results

Heavies

Mace over the bar – Roland Stuart

Glenfiddich Event Age 18-28 light stone 16lb; weight by ring 28lb; light hammer 16lb; weight over bar 40lb; caber – Murdo Masterson

Putting light stone, local; weight by ring 28lb; light hammer; caber – James Dawkins

Light hammer, open; heavy hammer 22lb – Kyle Randalls

Weight by ring 28lb, open; weight over the bar 56lb – Aaron Castle

Murdo Masterson competing in the light hammer at Saturday’s Aboyne Highland Games. Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson

Putting light stone, 16lb open; putting heavy stone, open; tossing caber – Vladislav Tulacek

Scottish Championship 56lb weight for distance – Sinclair Patience

Tug O’War, open championships, six man, no weight; open championships, six man, 525kg weight – Cornhill

Highland Dancing

Highland Fling, local & open nine and under; Seann Triubhas, local & open nine and under; Sword dance, open, nine and under – Ally Dey

Highland Fling, local, 10, 11, 12y; Sword dance, local 10, 11, 12y; Seann Triubhas, local 10, 11, 12y; Half reel of Tulloch 10, 11, 12y – Harris Fraser

Highland Fling, local – 13, 14, 15y; Sword dance, local 13, 14, 15y – Kyla Dey

Sword Dance, local 9 and under – Annie Hutchon

Seann Triubhas, local 13, 14, 15y; Sailors hornpipe, local, 13, 14, 15y; Irish Jig, local, 13, 14, 15y – Kali Smith

Highland Fling, local 16+; Seann Triubhas, local 16+; Sword dance, local 16+; Flora MacDonald’s Fancy, local 16+; Irish jig, open 16+ – Emma McPherson

Highland Dancers added a splash of colour at the games on Saturday. Image Kami Thomson/DC Thomson

Flora MacDonald’s Fancy, local 13, 14, 15 – Lexi McCracken

Highland Reels, open 16+ – Laura Boyle

Highland Fling, open 16+; Sword dance, open 16+; Irish Jig, open 16+ – Rachael Walker

Flora MacDonald’s Fancy, open 16+; Seann Triubhas, open 16+ – Michelle Gordon

Highland Fling, open 10, 11, 12y; Sword dance, open 10, 11, 12y – Clara McKee

Highland Fling, open 13, 14, 15y, Sword dance, open 13, 14, 15y; Seann Triubhas, open 13, 14, 15y; Half reel of Tulloch, open, 13, 14, 15y; Irish Jig, open, 13, 14, 15y – Eilidh Smith

Seann Triubhas, open, 10, 11, 12y – Natasha Franchi

Hornpipe, local 16+ – Mhairi McPherson

Half reel of Tulloch, open 10, 11, 12y – Ruby Spence

Flora MacDonald’s Fancy, open, 13, 14, 15y – Eva MacDonald

Sailors Hornpipe, open 13, 14, 15y – Isla Gauld

Sailors Hornpipe, open 16+ – Rachael Walker/Michelle Gordon

The pipers at the Highland Games are always a hit. Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson

Piping

Piobaireachd Junior, open – Liam Nicolson

March, open; Strathspey & Reel, open; Piobaireachd, open – John Mulhearn

March under 14, open – Rory Mezies

Marches, local; Strathspey & Reel, local – Lee Taylor

March, Strathspey & Reel under 18, open – Mackenzie Fraser

March, Strathspey & Reel under 18, local – Craig Mitchell

Hornpipe & Jig, open – Calum Brown

Athletics

Youth Championships 220y boys open under 16s – Alexander McIntosh

Youth Championships 220y girls open under 16s; Youth Championships 100y girls open under 16s – Lottie Price

Youth Championships 100y boys open under 16s – Alexander McIntosh

220 yards race all, local; half mile race all, local – Brad Arthur

Youth Championships half mile boys open under 16s – Ethan Bain

Youth Championships half mile girls open under 16s – Alice Matthews

Runners set off for the hill race at Aboyne Highland Games. Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson

100y race for men, open; 200y race for men, open; high jump for men, open; Scottish 800m footrace, half mile race open; 440y race for men, open – Declan Gall

100y race, women for women; high jump, women for open; 200y race for women, open; 440y race for women, open – Abbie Harrison

Long leap, all, local – Luc MacLeod

Long leap, all, open – Ewen Bradley

Long race (One Mile) all, open – Jordan Cruickshank

Hop, step and leap for all, open – Stewart Clark

Hill race, open – Will Mackay

Hill race, open; best local female – Harriet Cross

Best local male; vaulting with pole – Stephen Yule