Helmsdale Highland Games 2002 Gallery

The Games Chieftain 2002 Hector MacPherson

Four new records set at Helmsdale Games
Once again the committee organised a most happy and successful afternoon of events in this the 22nd year of the Helmsdale Highland Games.

Andy Sutherland, chairman of the games committee, and Iain Whitehead led the chieftains’ parade from Dunrobin Street up to Couper Park, followed by this year’s chieftain,

Hector MacPherson and his family, together with former chieftains and the games committee.

They were escorted by the massed pipes and drums of Inverness Royal British Legion, Thurso Pipe Band and Bettyhill Pipe Band, and by vintage cars from the Caithness and Sutherland Vintage Car Club.

This year’s standard-bearer was Alexander Sutherland (15) a former junior hill race champion, and North of Scotland Schools Cross Country Champion who also plays football and shinty for his school and local teams. The chieftain, ex-chieftains and their families, stewards and committee members enjoyed a splendid buffet lunch laid on by Pat Leitch, before retiring to the chieftain’s tent to enjoy a packed afternoon of events.

Chairman of the Helmsdale Highland Games Committee, Andrew Sutherland, in officially opening the proceedings, welcomed everyone to the games, especially the overseas visitors and those who returned to the ’Dale year after year to give their support. He particularly welcomed Captain Kevin Donnely of the Cairney Division of the New York Fire Brigade who had been involved with the massive clear-up after the terrorist attacks of 11th September.

After asking for a moment’s silence in memory of Jock (Farr) MacKay, Andy went on to thank all the helpers, supporters and the games committee for all their hard work. Andrew then welcomed the new chieftain and his family, Hector MacPherson, a founder member and most loyal and hard-working supporter of the “the friendliest and most successful of games”, whose father Frank was the first chieftain back in 1981, saying that it must be a very proud moment for Hector’s mother Adeline.

Hector thanked Andy for his kind words and the committee for extending the invitation to be chieftain, which he regarded as a great honour and tribute to his family.

Rosie Smith (12) then presented a silver quaich to Hector and a Celtic brooch to his wife Mairi and, as is customary, the pipe major of the Inverness Royal British Legion, on behalf of the massed bands, sought permission from the chieftain to leave the field before leading off the bands.

A full programme of heavyweight, dancing and track and field events kept an enthusiastic crowd occupied, which, together with the many side stalls, funfair and refreshment and beer tent ensured a busy and entertaining afternoon.

Edie Whitehead and Rupert the Bear’s stall raised around £860 for Muscular Dystrophy, and two dolls “The Chieftain and his Princess”, were raffled by Edie and were won by Bethel MacLeod of Lochinver.
The hill race was won this year by Paul Shears of Leeds in a time of 25 mins 15 secs with Sandy MacAulay, Helmsdale, finishing third in the open and first in the confined section. Donald Sutherland also completed the course in 39 minutes, his first attempt at the hill race, raising around £500 for Migdale Hospital in the process. The confined junior hill race was won by Alexander Sutherland.

Four new games records were set: Richard Viera from California in putting the 16lbs ball, open, (54ft 1in) and putting the 22 lbs ball (45ft 2ins); Alistair Gunn in throwing the 16lb hammer (141ft 5ins) and Brett Atkins from Lybster in the long jump (19ft 4ins).

Although no record was broken, it was an English girl with Welsh connections, Wendy White from Bristol, who was up here visiting the family of the late Adie MacKenzie and attending her first Highland games, who won the haggis hurling competition with a throw of 144ft.

The afternoon’s activities ended with the massed bands parading the games officials down to the village, and the Thurso Pipe Band gave yet another performance in what must have been a gruelling schedule in Dunrobin Street at 7pm.

For those with plenty of stamina the festivities continued throughout the evening with the traditional games night marquee dance with music by “Caledonia”, a most successful evening with the biggest ever turnout of around 400.

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