Montrose Highland Games have set an example that could be followed in China according to this year’s chieftain, who was “blown away” by the vibrancy and variety of the spectacle.
As result of her experience, which she described as one of the most memorable ever, Madame Tan Xiutian, the Chinese Consul General in Edinburgh, foresees that tossing the caber and the Highland fling could become a feature of the summer games season in her own country.
She said, “This is my very first visit to a Highland Games in Scotland, and I am thoroughly enjoying myself. These games offer something for everybody and we have visitors today from as far afield as the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Italy who have come here to enjoy themselves.”
She was particularly supportive of the special needs section for competitors with disabilities, which has become a feature of the Montrose games.
She said, “I am so happy to see these people who need special care sharing in the fun of this happy holiday occasion. It is a big honour for me to see this. I am very proud of the people in this area for this, and grateful to the chairman for inviting me to share in this splendid traditional, cultural celebration.
“I hope one day the people of Montrose can come to enjoy the games in China. We don’t have heavy field events or Highland dancing, but we need to learn from Montrose and we could have more fun.”
Two home-grown athletes were to the fore in the high jump, Donovan Webster smashing the youth high jump record, clearing 1.63 metres (5ft 5in) and Gregor McLean setting a new 1.95 metres (6ft 3in) record in the open event.
In the heavy events, two Fettercairn brothers battled for the local title, Dale Walker finally overcoming his sibling Greig.
The heavy horse line-up included some of the finest Clydesdales in the country.
Dancing, piping, massed bands and a dog show added to the attractions, as did the continuing tradition of the Montrose Rose Queen coronation.
Amie Kenny (14) was the 67th queen, her crowning a tradition begun in 1936. Her Rose Maid attendants were fellow academy pupils Beth Holdhouse and Rosalind Bryning, while the Rosebuds were Southesk Primary pupils Amy McNab, Courtney Slavin, Jenna Henderson and Millie Dryden.