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15thJune 2007

Mini Highland Games


Pictures Attached

The Schools Highland year of culture highland games, children with games Chieftain as the gathering is pronounced open.

Chieftain David Ingles shares a few words with Rector of KLB high Dr. Ian Smith


As part of the Highland Year of Culture the schools in North West Sutherland, Kinlochbervie High and the four feeder primaries, Scourie, Achfary, Kinlochbervie and Durness held mini Highland Gathering with practically all the proceedings of a conventional event. Katy Lee, management time teacher for the primary schools, Heather McNeil PE teacher at the secondary school and Yvonne Mackay, Youth Development Officer based in Kinlochbervie High School, working closely with and the Sutherland Schools sports coordinators the event was arranged to enthuse and involve young people in Highland traditional Culture. Teachers were all given their stations to man and the children moved around the field participating in the events. Head teacher of Durness primary Graham Bruce was the field announcer and the results desk kept an ongoing notice of the points. The day ran practically without a hitch.
At 9.30 on Monday morning children arrived at the Durness Village square and were met by their chieftain for the occasion retired police officer David Ingles. David was attired in time-honoured Highland dress and said “I’m Very proud and honoured to be asked and I’m looking forward to this being a super day.”
Piper Sandy Wreg and some of his piping pupils led the parade to Shore Park the site of the annual Durness Highland Gathering where one hundred and thirty pupils took part in a wide range of sporting events. On arriving at the games field chieftain David officially pronounced the first north Sutherland Schools Highland year of culture highland games open and with only a short break for lunch the young people participated in all the events gathering points for their ‘houses’ until around 3.30 in the afternoon. Chieftain David involved himself at every opportunity ensuring fair play and sharing anecdotes with all involved. His pleasure and delight brushed off on the whole company. This was a day arranged for team working and all the winning points were awarded to the houses Laxford, Dionard or Inchard. As this event was occurring the primary schools decided not to also hold their usual sports day. As points were being recorded the athletic shield for primary seven was awarded to Erin Kish of Kinlochbervie, the only individual prize of the day. After the short lunch break before games proceedings restarted a ‘Strip the Willow’ involving all was held in the middle of the park. Two lines of dancers to the bagpipe music of Sandy Wregg twirled and danced their way through the movements causing much hilarity and at times confusion!
The weather was kind and this did make the day pleasant to be outside but the enthusiasm of all the youngsters cannot be understated. From the primary ones to the sixth year of secondary there was a great sentiment of enjoyment and participation. The older children deserve special mention for their encouragement and eagerness. From face painting to bouncy castle they remained involved throughout. The final events of the tug of war and the relay brought passion to the finale. The winning house was Laxford closely followed by Dionard. The day was declared by all as a great success and the talk is whether this could become an annual event.