An expanded Inverness Highland Games and host of fringe events attracted an estimated 10,000 spectators and participants to Bught Park on the banks of the River Ness over the weekend.
The gathering was one of the largest and varied in the 194-year history of the event.
The games committee added the TruckNess vehicle exhibition, wheelbarrow grand prix, boxing tournament and veterans’ parade along with strongman and woman competitions to the traditional programme.
Saturday’s events began with a spectacular opening ceremony in which games chairman Angus Dick and scorer John Findlayson were inducted into the Inverness Highland Games hall of fame.
More than 100 Highland dancers then welcomed the chieftain, Provost Helen Carmichael, with a mass Highland fling.
An unofficial, invitation fling followed involving hundreds of excited and good-sport spectators.
Games organiser Gerry Reynolds said: “It was brilliant. We had about 10,000 people, which was up on last year and TruckNess has had a wonderful impact – and the weather was kind to us.”
In the heavyweight competitions, Brad Goldsmith from Virginia, USA, became the sixth muscleman in the modern era to push the 56lbs weight over the bar.
Paul Davidson was rewarded with the provost’s medal by Councillor Carmichael in recognition of the Inverness Harriers athlete’s extensive sporting achievements.
He recently won gold in the 200m and 4×1 relay and 400m bronze at the International Neurological Athletic Association of Sports European Championships in the Turkish capital Ankara.
The TruckNess event, over both days, proved a popular attraction, featuring a huge exhibition of vehicles by local haulage firms.
RESULTS
Piping – senior march, Strathspey and reel: Fred Morrison (Bishopton). Senior piobaireachd: Decker Forrest (Isle of Skye). Senior hornpipe and Jig: Garry MacKay (Inverness). Senior overall champion: Fred Morrison (Bishopton).
Under 18 yrs march and Strathspey reel: Angus MacPhee (Inverness). Under 18 yrs piobaireachd: Archie Drennan (Drumnadrochit). Under 18 yrs overall champion: Archie Drennan (Drumnadrochit).
Under 15yrs march: Callum Clark (Caithness). Under 15 yrs piobaireachd: Archie Clark (Crieff). Under 15 yrs overall champion: Archie Clark (Crieff).
TruckNess – best in show: Stuart Wilson of Ian S Rogers. Best fleet: Ian S Rogers. Best owner-driver: Andy MacKenzie of MacKenzie Plant. Best classic restored: Bruce MacWilliam of JG MacWilliam.
