Big crowd enjoys 2022 Forres Highland Games at Grant Park despite afternoon washout
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A BIG crowd enjoyed the 94th edition of Forres Highland Games on Saturday, despite interchangeable weather at Grant Park.
President Fred Davidson said he was "absolutely delighted" with the attendance, while chieftain George Alexander speculated that it might be one of the biggest ever.
The Games were returning after a three-year absence enforced by the coronavirus pandemic.
"We were a bit apprehensive because we didn't know what sort of turnout we would get after three years," Mr Davidson, who has been involved in the Games for 40 years, said.
"We thought it'd be very weather-dependent, but I was delighted to see that, at the back of 11am, there was a queue to get in and there were queues all day.
"We are absolutely delighted with the turnout and the support we got from all the locals, as well as the visitors who have come to see what the Highland Games are all about.
"I have been heartened by the number of local people who turned out and said 'I'll help'. The community spirit in Forres is great."
Chieftain George Alexander added: "I think it's one of the biggest crowds we have ever had.
"This wouldn't happen if it wasn't for the volunteers and local businesses that contribute.
"It really is a community effort and that is what Forres is famous for. The town has something special about it."
The inclement weather held off for the majority of the afternoon – until a downpour after 3pm – allowing the Games' attendees to enjoy the scores of stalls around the park.
Gates opened at 11.30am, before Forres Pipe Band led crowds from the high street into the arena just at the back of midday.
After the flag was raised by George Alexander, who declared the Games to be open, athletics kicked the events off, with heavies, piping and Highland dancing also taking place in the arena.
Results
Athletics
Provost CM Fraser Cup 2 Miles (3000M) – Luke Davidson
Presidents Trophy – Best Over Heavy – Jammie Gunn
MacDonald Sinclair Trophy – 1st Junior Heavy – Andrew Murphie
Scots Hammer Trophy NOS Hammer Men – Conor Quinn
Braid Memorial Trophy – Tossing the Caber – Jamie Gumm
Hugh Tawse 10K Road Race Trophy – Hamish Hickey
Vienenburg/Forres 30th Anniversary Trophy 1984-2014 (Best Overseas Athlete, Piper or Heavy) – Kalle Välimäki
Neville Sillitoe OAM Memorial Cup, Athletics – Finn Caruthers
Piping
Leiths Trophy for Best Senior Piper – Jeffrey lawson - Aberdeen
Moray Challenge Trophy for Best Junior Piper – Calum Dunbar – Inverness
Bill Black Memorial Trophy for Best Senior March – Hamish Munro – Lhanbryde
Neil C McGoughan Trophy for Junior (U14) Pibroch – Craig Mitchell – Peterculter
Bank of Scotland Tercentenary Shield (Best presented Pipe Band) – Forres and District Pipe Band
Charles Duncan Memorial Shield (Best Marching Band) – Strathisla Pipe Band
Cycling
FTC 1972 Coronation Salver Overall Local Cyclist – Lewis Dey
James MacDonald Memorial Shield for Best Local Junior – Willis Christie
James Trophy for the 6000M – Lewis Dey
Dawson Trophy for the Message Bike Race – Brodie Finlayson
Highland Dancing
Highland Dancing Trophy for Most Overall Points – Catriona Dempster – Huntly