The Mey Highland Games continued its trailblazing role in opening up its programme in the heavyweight arena to all at the weekend.
As games chieftain the Duke of Rothesay and a crowd of several thousand looked on, 50 men and women – both able-bodied and with disabilities – competed in the series of traditional heavy events.
The duke, who was on the penultimate day on his annual break at the Castle of Mey, took a keen interest in the proceedings and chatted to many of the para-athletes and wounded armed forces personnel.
He made regular forays around the field to speak to competitors and stall-holders, and also judged the tug of war final – in which Help for Heroes beat Police Scotland.
The games were the first last year to incorporate a so-called adaptive section for athletes with disabilities.
And this year, the competition was bolstered by 25-strong party from Help for Heroes (HfH), who comprised boths serving soldiers and veterans, recovering from major physical injuries or mental trauma.
The charity’s Roger Coates, who works at the rehabilitation centre at Catterick, said: “We’ve been welcomed here with open arms – they’ve looked after us very well.
“Sport has played a central part in many of our veterans’ recovery from very serious injuries and in making their transition from military to civilian life.”
Following their involvement at Mey last year, 10 HfH members underwent a coaching course taken by Charlie Murray, president of the Scottish Highland Games Association.
Mr Murray said: “Mey has gone beyond the call of duty – their games is a tremendous advert for bringing together adaptive, ladies and open competitors on the one field.
“As president of the Scottish Games Association, I’m very proud and happy to being part of this.”
This year’s star in the men’s adaptive section was Jim Holborn, 38, from Sunderland, who was making his competitive debut.
He was medically discharged after suffering a severe injury to his left leg in a parachute accident.
The Gateshead Harrier has now his sights focused on qualifying for next year’s Invictus Games in Holland.
Mr Holborn won the light and heavy shot puts and weight for distance.
Meanwhile Elissa Hapner, 30, from Chicago, completed a clean sweep of all seven events in the women’s programme. She also triumphed in the novelty competition in which athletes had to carry an 80 kilo rock 50 metres along the running track. She completed the task in 31.84 seconds. The male champion was HfH’s Dave Williams, from Swansea, in 14.44 seconds.
Earlier, Prince Charles watched Invergordon’s Luke Stoltman triumph in the contest to lift the famous Arblair Stones. Ranging from 40 to 335lbs, the nine stones are lifted in turn on top of whisky barrels, 52 inches high.
Stoltman however failed to break the world record time of 22.18, which is held by his brother Tom.
Before leaving, the duke was presented with a marque bottle of gin by Nick Hodgson, from Wick, a private in the army reservists.
He said: “It’s one of 100 bottles made in Skye for the C company of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
“Nothing like them will be made again and as the duke is our commander-in-chief, he deserved to have one.”
