Helmsdale Highland Games 2001 Gallery

The Games Chieftain 2001 DONALD A.S. POLSON

To listen to Donald's address click here

Donald Polson was born in London in 1928, of Helmsdale parents, where his father worked in the Civil Service. After his father's death, Donald, several weeks old, came with his mother and brothers to live with his grandmother at the Bannockburn Inn which she owned in Helmsdale.
The business was established in the late 1800's by his maternal grandfather tom Mackay who came from Bannockburn in the Strath of Kildonan. His paternal grandparents owned a general merchant's business in Helmsdale, latterly known as "Highland Supply Stores".
Educated at Helmsdale Higher Grade School, Donald was a keen sportsman, having played football for Helmsdale United and The County of Sutherland. He also enjoyed golf, badminton and fishing on the local river.
Donald was enlisted in the Army in 1946. His military training was at the Gordon Barracks in Aberdeen, after which he was stationed in Manchester where he joined the Royal army Pay Corps. Shortly afterwards he was posted to the Far East - based in Singapore.
On demobilisation Donald returned to Helmsdale to partner his mother in the Bannockburn Inn. He retired from there in March 1998.
In August 1956 Donald married Annora Mackenzie, a teacher in Helmsdale Secondary School. They have 3 of a family - Caroline, Alasdair and Anne, all are now married, and they have 4 grandchildren. During his last 25 years as proprietor in the Bannockburn Inn, assisted by his wife and family, have raised several thousand pounds by ceilidhs and social evenings for local clubs and charities. Donald has always been very obliging and supportive to the Games by fundraising and sponsorship since its revival 21 years ago. The Bannockburn Cup was donated by Donald for the best Local Heavyweight Athlete.
The Games Committee are delighted have Donald as this years Chieftain.

The Standard Bearer
This year the standard bearer was Ruaridh Cameron

Ruaridh Cameron has been chosen because his birth coincided with the year the Helmsdale Games were revived in 1980, and this therefore is our 21st.

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