THE 34th annual Drumtochty Highland Games, held as always in the beautiful setting of the grounds of Drumtochty Castle, proved a great success on Saturday.
The weather was pleasantly warm throughout, with a blink of sunshine mid-afternoon, which set the seal on a wonderful event, always one of the friendliest games on the circuit.
The attendance was an estimated 3,500 and secretary Evelyn Coates sai
d everything went extremely smoothly. "The weather was lovely and it wasn't too hot which was good for the competitors."
Chieftain of the 2010 Games was founder secretary Alastair Reid. Now retired from the Games committee, Alastair was Chieftain in recognition of his tremendous service, which has included 24 years as secretary and 28 as treasurer.
At 2pm, Alastair was piped in to the showfield together with his wife Helen and assisted founder chairman Jim Brown, formally opened the games.
Later at 3pm, he took the traditional salute from the massed piped bands. This year five bands performed, Lonach, Towie, Huntly, Newtonhill and Lathallan.
As always the heavy athletes took centre stage. The mighty Bruce Robb of Rosyth took the overall heavy title, winning four of the seven events to finish ahead of local favourites brothers Steven and Bruce Aitken.
Bruce was champion of the Grampian Games Circuit for ten successive years, but didn't compete at all last year due to injury. Happily he has put his injury problems behind him.
Compere Robbie Shepherd presided over a packed programme which included open heavy events for athletes 17-25, open light events and youths light events.
The Finella Hill Race, run over a gruelling six-mile course on Finella Hill was won by Tim Griffin of Aberdeen, but he was rivalled by 12-year-old Scott Hendry of Auchenblae who finished third overall, was top junior and won a new trophy, presented in memory of the late Bill Sloan, as top local competitor.
Four teams took part in the tug-o-war with Elgin emerging as the champions.
Competition was keen in on the dancing boards and in the open solo piping competitions.
There was also a full programme of races for children.
Secretary Evelyn paid tribute to Auchenblae Community Association who did their usual wonderful job in the marquee serving lunches and afternoon teas.
GAMES Chieftain Alastair Reid is pictured centre with his wife Helen just after declaring the games open. Also pictured are former chairman Torquil McLeod, chairman John Singer and founder chairman Jim Brown.
THE massed pipe bands on parade at Drumtochty.
TROPHY winners in the dancing competiitons.
