WATCH: Colourful Abernethy Games draws record number of competitors
The rain stayed away and the heavies turned out in a fantastically colourful occasion at the Abernethy Highland Games at the weekend.
The friendly games proved to be just that for a good contingent of lady heavy events competitors taking part for the first time in a decade at Nethy Bridge.
There were joined by a strong following of junior heavies from the local area thanks to the efforts of mentor Dave Garman and one of his proteges - local young heavy Andrew Murphie who is making a new for himself on the circuit.
The track and field events were also in very healthy shape with organisers pointing to the Paris Olympic Games as perhaps one reason why entrants had soared this year.
This was especially the case in the ladies competitions.
Games committee chairman Sandy McCook said: “It has been another highly successful Abernethy Games and has lived up to its reputation as being a good quality, happy and friendly Highland games.
“We have had a record number of competitors this year and the crowd numbers have been on a par with last year (just over the 3000 mark).
“The weather has been very good on the whole.
“Numbers in the track and field have been excellent - whether that is a trend here to stay we do not know.”
The gathering was also a memorable occasion for the Clan Grant with Sir Michael Grant of Grant Bt, Lord Strathspey, officially becoming the 34th Chief of Grant.
He has taken over from the late Sir James Grant of Grant who passed away in June, last year, after a short illness.
Mr McCook said: “Sir Michael was also our games chieftain for this year to recognise the fact that he is the new clan chief and he spoke very well in his address to the crowd.”
More games coverage to follow both online and in this Thursday’s Strathy.
