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In pictures: North Uist Highland Games 2023

Music, dance and muscle on one sunny day on the machair.

A piper plays for a group of young Highland dancers while others queue behind him.
Highland dancers wait for their turn to compete in the North Uist games. Photo: Eve McLachlan

A community came together for the annual North Uist Highland Games this Friday.

A man throws a shotput through the air.
Kilts a-whirl during the shotput contest. Photo: Eve McLachlan

Events included piping and Highland dance contests, as well as feats of strength and a race up one of North Uist’s rugged peaks.

A man and a boy wearing bagpiping uniforms stand outside a mobile food truck.
Bagpipers queue for doughnuts between events at the North Uist Games. Photo: Eve McLachlan
A piper plays on a wooden platform in the middle of a field.
A piper performs for the critical eye of the competition’s judges. Photo: Eve McLachlan

The forecast was for showers. But luck was on the community’s side this Friday, and the Games were met with summer sunshine.

A saltire flag against a blue sky.
Bright and breezy weather greeted the crowds at the Games. Photo: Eve McLachlan

The setting was one of the most picturesque areas of the island, just minutes from the Balranald nature reserve.

Trophies sitting on a table, with a rugged landscape in the background. <yoastmark class=

While most of the competitors were representing their township in Uist, some were from places such as Stornoway and Glasgow — and New Zealand.

A group of people running past spectators.
Runners take off for the hill race. Photo: Eve McLachlan

Dancers, pipers, and athletes of all ages took part, with adult Highland dancers competing for prize money totalling over £2,500.

Highland dancers perform in front of judges.
The Highland dancers show off their moves. Photo: Eve McLachlan
The Sgoil Lionacleit pipe band tunes up before heading to the field to entertain the crowd. Photo: Eve McLachlan

On Facebook, the organisers of the games gave their “massive thanks” to the volunteers who helped make it happen.

Summer is in full swing for the North Uist community, with the island’s annual agricultural show coming up next week.

More local reporting from the Western Isles: