Early rain failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the thousands who turned up to enjoy another spectacular Inveraray Highland Games on Tuesday.

The organisers have the event running like clockwork, but in a new feat of organisational skill, they  managed to end the morning deluge just in time for the parade of dignitaries from Church Square to the Winterton at 11am. The skies cleared and the crowds gathered to experience the massed bands of Inveraray and District – both the novice and grade one outfits – alongside the (even more) famous Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Pipes and Drums.

Aside from a couple of showers, the remainder of the day was warm and largely sunny. And the entertainment was as good as ever.
Around 250 Highland dancers – fifty of whom were overseas competitors  - joined 110 pipers in top-drawer competitions. The heavy events provided their usual drama and excitement, with 20 heavy athletes from all over the world vying for supremacy in a series of events which included the world caber championships.

The appeal of Highland Games appears to be worldwide, judging by the enthusiasm displayed by a Russian film crew capturing the event for a travel programme back home. While enjoying the heavy events, one film crew member said: “This is really good. I have never seen this kind of thing before. So many kilts, and the whole atmosphere is amazing.”
The crowds rolled in as the skies cleared, and more than 3,000 people thronged the field, much to the delight of the organisers, who give up their time voluntarily to keep the event running.

Games Convenor, Alasdair Chrystal, said: “This is probably the biggest one-day Highland Games there is. I’m really pleased at the number of people who came along.