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Big crowd enjoys 2022 Forres Highland Games at Grant Park despite afternoon washout


By Jonathan Clark

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A BIG crowd enjoyed the 94th edition of Forres Highland Games on Saturday, despite interchangeable weather at Grant Park.

The Massed Pipes and Drums make their way around the Grant Park arena...Forres Highland Games 2022...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
The Massed Pipes and Drums make their way around the Grant Park arena...Forres Highland Games 2022...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

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.

Umbrellas were vital accessory for the day which suffered from heavy rain showers throughout. ..Forres Highland Games 2022...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
Umbrellas were vital accessory for the day which suffered from heavy rain showers throughout. ..Forres Highland Games 2022...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
The crowd got soaking wet during a downpour. Picture: Daniel Forsyth
The crowd got soaking wet during a downpour. Picture: Daniel Forsyth

"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.

James McPartlin on the far right, junior chieftain, Fred Davidson on the right, The Highland Games President, George Alexander on the left, the Chieftain, Amy McGhee on the far left, another junior chieftain...Forres Highland Games...Picture: Beth Taylor..
James McPartlin on the far right, junior chieftain, Fred Davidson on the right, The Highland Games President, George Alexander on the left, the Chieftain, Amy McGhee on the far left, another junior chieftain...Forres Highland Games...Picture: Beth Taylor..

"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."

Opening parade with Chieftan of the Games George Alexander (centre left)...Forres Highland Games 2022...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
Opening parade with Chieftan of the Games George Alexander (centre left)...Forres Highland Games 2022...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

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.

The Forres and District Pipe Band march towards Grant Park ahead of the offical opening of the games...Forres Highland Games 2022...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
The Forres and District Pipe Band march towards Grant Park ahead of the offical opening of the games...Forres Highland Games 2022...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
The Forres and District Pipe Band march around the games arena in Grant Park before the offical opening of the games...Forres Highland Games 2022...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
The Forres and District Pipe Band march around the games arena in Grant Park before the offical opening of the games...Forres Highland Games 2022...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

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

Angus Smith (left) and Luke Davidson (right) completing the 3000 metres championship. ..Forres Highland Games...Picture: Beth Taylor.
Angus Smith (left) and Luke Davidson (right) completing the 3000 metres championship. ..Forres Highland Games...Picture: Beth Taylor.

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

Kalle Valimaki competes in the 'Weight for Distance' heavyweight event...Forres Highland Games 2022...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
Kalle Valimaki competes in the 'Weight for Distance' heavyweight event...Forres Highland Games 2022...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

Neville Sillitoe OAM Memorial Cup, Athletics – Finn Caruthers

Boys 11-13's 100 meter race was won by #60 Finn Carruthers from Moray Road Runners...Forres Highland Games 2022...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
Boys 11-13's 100 meter race was won by #60 Finn Carruthers from Moray Road Runners...Forres Highland Games 2022...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
Boys 11-13's 100 meter race was won by #60 Finn Carruthers from Moray Road Runners...Forres Highland Games 2022...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
Boys 11-13's 100 meter race was won by #60 Finn Carruthers from Moray Road Runners...Forres Highland Games 2022...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

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

The Forres and District Pipe Band march in to Grant Park ahead of the offical opening of the games...Forres Highland Games 2022...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
The Forres and District Pipe Band march in to Grant Park ahead of the offical opening of the games...Forres Highland Games 2022...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

Cycling

Cyclists completing the 6000 metres around the arena...Forres Highland Games...Picture: Beth Taylor.
Cyclists completing the 6000 metres around the arena...Forres Highland Games...Picture: Beth Taylor.

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

#192 Becky Dempster and #194 Catriona Dempster both from Huntly about to start their first choreography piece, The Highland Fling. ..Forres Highland Games 2022...Picture: Beth Taylor.
#192 Becky Dempster and #194 Catriona Dempster both from Huntly about to start their first choreography piece, The Highland Fling. ..Forres Highland Games 2022...Picture: Beth Taylor.
#192 Becky Dempster and #194 Catriona Dempster both from Huntly in the middle of their first choreography piece, The Highland Fling. ..Forres Highland Games 2022...Picture: Beth Taylor.
#192 Becky Dempster and #194 Catriona Dempster both from Huntly in the middle of their first choreography piece, The Highland Fling. ..Forres Highland Games 2022...Picture: Beth Taylor.

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