BUSY SPELL BECKONS ON HIGHLAND GAMES CIRCUIT writes Shane Fenton
The busiest spell on the Highland Games season beckons with no fewer than 9 games set to take place over a seven day period.
[Saturday 18th July] Loch Lomond[Balloch], Tomintoul and Lochcarron.
The Loch Lomond Games features the World Heavy Events Championship with Scotland's top throwers set to be joned by a number of overseas competitors to contest the various disciplines. Scott Rider will attempt to make it 3 wins in succession
There is a good entry for the running events with the SHGA British 80 metres Championship topping the bill.
Lochcarron will stage the SHGA 800 metres Championship for the first time as well as the SHGA British 56lb Weight over the Bar Championship with the highlight at Tomintoul the SHGA Scottish 16lb Shot Putt Championship.
[Sunday 19th July] Rosneath Peninsula Highland Gathering. Stonehaven Highland Games[Cancelled]
This years Rosneath Games are also looking likely to have their biggest entry for a number of years with many of the competitiors at Balloch expected to stay over and head to Howie Park on the Sunday. The games feature a full programme of running, cycling and heavy events.
[Monday 20th July] Burntisland Highland Games
A huge crowd boosted by day trippers from all over Scotland will be in Burntisland for the games which are traditionally held on the the first Monday of the Fife Trades Holiday fortnight. Again a full programme of all the traditional events as well as the famous 'Binn Race' for locals.
[Tuesday 21st July] Inveraray Highland Games
A big field of heavy event competitors are likely to be at Winterton Park with the games hosting the World Caber Championship supported by a full programme of heavy events.
Full programme of track and light field events as well as cycling. Always a big entry for the highland dancing and one of the premier games on the circuit for solo piping.
[Thursday 23rd July] Mull Highland Games
There will be a big incentive for the jumps competitors at Tobermory with good prize money on offer.
Erray Park in Tobermory offers the best surface for jumping in the SHGA circuit with impressive ground records in all 3 jumps. The high jump record of 6ft 3.5in [ grass to grass] was set by the great Jay Scott in 1955. If the winner breaks Jay's record this year an additional £100 is the incentive. A similar prize awaits the winner of the triple jump if they exceed 50ft - the ground record is 49ft 4in by David Watson.
[Friday 24th] Durness Highland Games
The Durness Games are the most Northerly on the SHGA fixture list, there is a full track & field programme as well as a hill race. The heavy events regularly attract a quality field. last year the Wenta brothers, Lukasz and Sebastien hoovered up all the first prizes between them.
[Saturday 25th]Airth,Lochearnhead,Dufftown,Halkirk.
[Sunday 26th] St Andrews Highland Games] Preview next week
Published: 2015-07-16 16:52:26