Member Log in
Abernethy Highland Games and Clan Grant Gathering - Established 1880
Abernethy Highland Games Association
Nethy Bridge
Inverness-shire
PH25 3DA
Scotland
Saturday 9th August 2008
Games Field
Nethy Bridge
Inverness-shire

Enquiries to Games convenor

Massed pipe bands at the Abernethy Highland Games Nethy Bridge

2007 Games Report

Whilst the weather was not kind on Saturday, over 3000 spectators were treated to an excellent day of colour, music and action on the field. Paid admissions fell short of last year’s numbers, but the quality of the competition and the enthusiasm of the spectators more than compensated.

The morning programme of children’s fun events has gone from strength to strength, and attracted a large and vocal crowd of all ages, both participants and spectators, which contributed to the happy atmosphere of a rather grey, but dry, morning.

The opening parade saw the massed pipes and drums of six bands march on to the field followed by the members of the Clan Grant led by the Chief of Grant, Lord Strathspey. After an amusing, and inspiring address, partly delivered in Gaelic, Games Chieftain David Green OBE formally declared the Games open.

Seventy-six competitors took part in the track and field events. Numbers were up on last year, notably through the introduction of the inter village Tug o’ War competition that proved a real highlight on the field.
The Nethy Bridge Trophy, awarded in the new Tug O’War competition, went to Carrbridge, in a well-fought contest between Nethybridge, Carrbridge, and Boat of Garten. The ladies of Grantown beat the “Nethy Numpties” although the latter won the £50 “best dressed” prize.

Nine competitors took part in the heavy events including local athlete Brian Harrold and top Scottish heavy Alistair Gunn, who swept the board in the open competition as well as taking home a special prize of a bottle of whisky for having successfully tossed Abernethy’s extra heavy caber.
It’s worth recording that in 2008 Abernethy Highland Games will be hosting the Scottish Heavy championships and this event is sure to attract even more notable competitors.

In the RSPB Abernethy Forest 10 Mile Race a good field of 75 runners participated, enduring quite difficult conditions, with wet & muddy tracks, resulting in rather slower times than last year. In the Team competition, however, Moray RR came in at 4 hr 12 min 25 sec, beating the Games Record of 4 hrs 23 min 58 sec set in 1998 by Nairn District AAC. Simon Pride of Forres Harriers, now a veteran, was first home once again, in a time of 55 min 28 sec.

On the Dancing stages, Gemma MacIver won all 4 categories in the 5 yrs Primary Class, and in the Premier Class, both Melissa Fife in the 9 yrs, and Katie Wright in the 11 yrs and under, made a clean sweep of all 6 dances. Best overseas competitor, Colleen McGregor followed her successes of the last 3 years by winning the 15 yrs Premier Class.
Dancing numbers were well up; 78 dancers competed, reversing the downward trend of the past few years, and many compliments on a well-organised event were received from dancers and their families.

Piping numbers showed a substantial 27% increase on last year with Graham Wallace again taking the David Grant Blyth Cup for the most promising youngster. Hamish Munro of Llanbryde took the Gordon Cup, as overall winner of the Senior Competition.

Abernethy Highland Games

Six bands participated in the spectacular parade of massed pipe bands, with 2622 Squadron RAAF Band from Lossiemouth taking home the Pipe Band Challenge Shield. The band very generously donated their prize money to local charity, the Badenoch & Strathspey Transport Co.

Chairman of Abernethy Highland Games Association Neil Sutherland commented after the Games “Our reputation as the Friendly Games is reinforced by the very positive feedback I’ve had from competitors and spectators alike who commented on the welcoming and happy atmosphere; the afternoon rain did not dampen the spirit of the day and a good time was had by all. This success was achieved thanks to the hard work of a great number of volunteers, local businesses and organisations from the community of Nethybridge and surrounding area.”

REBIRTH OF STRATHSPEY INTER-VILLAGE TUG O’ WAR.

The 2007 Games saw the rebirth of an inter-village Tug o’ War competition. Teams from Boat of Garten, Carrbridge, Grantown and Nethy Bridge turn out to compete. All non-professional teams, just local lads and lassies ready to ‘give it a go’ with unbounded enthusiasm.

The 2 ladies teams were the Nethy Numpties led by Minnie Jack and the Grantown Ladies under Alana Clark. In a very hard fought contest in the best of 3 ends the Grantown Ladies came out on top 2 to one. The men’s competition was a three way contest fought between Nethy under Graeme Grant, Boat led by Bobby MacKenzie and Carrbridge directed by Ian Grant. 2 end pull-offs decided who went through to the final. Carrbridge pulled decisively for their place, with a much closer contest between Nethy and Boat. After an extra pull Boat came out on top. The final was won by Carrbridge in a decisive 2 end victory. However none of the ends were easy for any of the teams as borne out by the sweat, bruises, sprains and rope burns.

The wet weather certainly did not dampen the teams’ enthusiasm. The competition was held in a great spirit of friendly inter-village rivalry. Carrbridge may have walked away with the Nethy Bridge Trophy this year, but during the after Games drinks there were dark mutterings of practice sessions before next year’s event. The Nethy Numpties did however take away the ‘Best Dressed’ team prize. Prize money totalling £425 was gratefully received by the competitors. In fact both Nethy teams have pooled their winnings and will donate £200 to the Nethy Primary School.

Our thanks must go to Cairngorm Brewery and the Heatherbrae Hotel for their support throughout the build-up to the competition with most excellent beer and sandwiches. Richard Eccles plans to talk to all team captains to decide the future format for this competition. All those interested should contact him on 01479 821 370


 

 

 

2007 Results

Dancing

Abernethy Highland Games

Highland Dancing: Judges were Arlene Penny from Ellon and Serena Wilson from Peterhead. Pipers: Ian Fraser of Grantown and Riona Morgan of Moray, assisted by Richard Anderson.

Primary 5 yrs: Pas de Basque: Gemma MacIver. Pas de Basque and H/Cutt: Gemma MacIver. Highland Fling: Emma MacIver. Swords: Gemma MacIver

Primary 6 yrs: Pas de Basque: Benna Runcie. Pas de Basque and H/Cutt: Lauren Moore. Highland Fling: Benna Runcie. Swords: Lauren Moore.

Beginners 11yrs & under: Highland Fling: Lexie Reid. Swords: Lexie Reid. Seann Truibhas: Lindsey Jacobsohn. Flora MacDonald’s Fancy: Lexie Reid. Scottish Lilt: Fiona McGowan. Reel of Tulloch: Lexie Reid.
Class Winner; Lexie Reid

Best Overall Beginner (AHG Highland Dancing Trophy): Lexie Reid

Novice 10 yrs & under: Highland Fling: Heather Bain. Swords: Heather Bain. Seann Truibhas: Lorena Weepers. Flora MacDonald’s Fancy: Heather Bain. Reel of Tulloch: Heather Bain. Scottish Lilt: Heather Bain.
Class winner: Heather Bain

Novice 11 yrs & over: Highland Fling: Cameron Jacobsohn. Swords: Donna MacKenzie. Seann Truibhas: Cameron Jacobson. Reel of Tulloch: Donna MacKenzie. Flora Mac Donald’s Fancy: Donna MacKenzie. Scottish Lilt: Gemma Homer
Class Winner: Donna MacKenzie

Best Overall Novice (Jessie Watt Scroll): Heather Bain

Intermediate 10 yrs & under: Highland Fling: Veronica Duthie. Swords: Veronica Duthie. Seann Truibhas: Veronica Duthie. Barracks Johnnie: Veronica Duthie. Irish Jig: Veronica Duthie. Sailor’s Hornpipe: Megan Dale.
Class Winner: Veronica Duthie.

Intermediate 11 yrs & over: Highland Fling: David Inverarity. Swords: David Inverarity. Seann Truibhas: David Inverarity. Barracks Johnnie: David Inverarity. Irish Jig: Rhona Stark. Sailor’s Hornpipe: David Inverarity.
Class Winner: David Inverarity

Premier 9 yrs: Highland Fling: Melissa Fife. Swords: Melissa Fife. Seann Truibhas: Melissa Fife. Barracks Johnnie: Melissa Fife. Irish Jig: Melissa Fife. Sailor’s Hornpipe: Melissa Fife.
Class Winner: Melissa Fife

Premier 11yrs and under: Highland Fling: Katie Wright. Swords: Katie Wright. Seann Truibhas: Katie Wright. Barracks Johnnie: Katie Wright. Irish Jig: Katie Wright. Sailor’s Hornpipe: Katie Wright.
Class Winner: Katie Wright

Premier 13 yrs & under: Highland Fling: Stephanie Duthie. Swords: Stephanie Duthie. Seann Truibhas: Jade Summers. Barracks Johnnie: Lauren McGregor. Irish Jig: Stephanie Duthie. Sailor’s Hornpipe: Stephanie Duthie.
Class winner: Stephanie Duthie.

Premier: 15 yrs & under: Highland Fling: Rebecca Fraser. Swords: Rebecca Fraser. Seann Truibhas: Colleen McGregor. Barracks Johnnie: Colleen McGregor. Irish Jig: Colleen McGregor. Sailor’s Hornpipe: Colleen McGregor.
Class Winner: Colleen McGregor.

Best Premier, Highland (Abernethy Games Trophy): (joint) Lynne Lawrence & Rebecca Fraser.
Best Premier, National (Clan Grant Society Cup): Colleen MacGregor.
Best Premier, Overall (Elsie Ross Trophy): (joint) Stephanie Duthie & Lynne Lawrence

Adult: Highland Fling: Wendy Buchan. Swords: Lynne Lawrence. Seann Truibhas: Lynne Lawrence. Barracks Johnnie: Lynne Lawrence. Irish Jig: Lynne Lawrence. Sailor’s Hornpipe: Nicola Lowdon.
Class Winner: Lynne Lawrence

Best Local 11 yrs & under (Kimberley Trophy): Jordan Neil
Best Local 12 yrs & over (Culreach Challenge Cup): Nicola Lowdon
Best Overseas Competitor (James Philpot Trophy): Colleen MacGregor
Most Successful Dancing School (Spey Vale Challenge Trophy): Clair Bryce

Piping

An enthusiastic line up of 123 talented pipers produced a high standard of playing and keen competition.  Judges, Jim Hamilton, Duncan Watson and Sandy Spence gave both generous praise and useful critical feedback to competitors, in all events.

Chanter, 12 years and under (Craiglynne Centenary Cup): Rhona Convery.

Local: March, 14 years and under: Graham Wallace. March, 15 – 18 years (Bank of Scotland Trophy): Gavin Tulloch. March Strathspey and Reel (McGillivray Cup): Grant Gammie

Junior Open: four-part March: Gavin Tulloch. Strathspey and Reel (George Centenary Trophy): Christopher Hyndman. Jig: Gavin Tulloch. Most promising Piper (David Grant Blyth Cup): Graham Wallace.

Senior Open: Pibroch (Lord Strathspey Cup): Ed McIlwaine. March: Hamish Munro. Strathspey and Reel (Banks Bros Centenary Cup): Pamela Whyte. Jig (Ibbertson Memorial Cup): Pamela Whyte. Overall winner (Gordon Cup): Hamish Munro.

RSPB Abernethy Forest 10 mile Road Race

Abernethy Highland Games

First overall & First Veteran: Simon Pride, Forres Harriers 55 min 28 sec. First Lady: Megan Mowbray, Hunters BT 1h 6 min 17 sec. First Local: Bradley Carrol 1h 38 sec.
First Local Lady: Louise Sutherland (vet) 1hr 29 min 59 sec.
Team winner: Moray RR 4 hr 12 min 25 sec – new Games Record (Reeve 59.47, Raymond Hardie 60.53, Gareth Jenkins 61.41, Elspeth Laird 70.04)

Men
1st Simon Pride (vet) Forres RR 55.28 2nd Phil Mowbray Hunter BT 56.11 3rd Ross Houston Central RR 56.13 4th Douglas Ross (vet) Mansfield 58.04 5th Tom McWilliam Inverness 59.45 6th Steve Reeve (vet) Moray RR 59.47 7th Bradley Carrol Cairngorm 60.38

Ladies
1st Megan Mowbray Hunters BT 66.17 2nd Julia Henderson (vet) Moray RR 67.55 3rd Karen McLeod Inverness H 69.27 4th Clair Waterhouse (vet) Central RR 69.48

Full results07 (PDF)

Full results 06(PDF)

Athletics

The track and field events were judged by Ian Tasker, George Bethune, Denis Shepherd, Margaret Cooke, Marion Allan & George Wright.

The Heavy competition was ably run by Kenny Macdonald (chief judge), Jimmy Lawther, Mike Scott, Sheila Grant, Elspeth Allan, Neil Allan, Rob Ritchie, Des McPherson and Fred Davidson.

Abernethy Highland Games 2004 - Scots Hammer


Event No 1 Local Heavies (shot putt)

1.John Cameron 10.59
2.Jim Blackhall 10.13
3.Russ Barker 9.79

Event No 2 Local Heavies (28lb weight for distance)

1.John Cameron 16.52
2.Jim Blackhall 16.15
3.Russ Barker 13.71
4.George Cameron 13.56

Event No 3 Local Heavies (Scots hammer)

1.Jim Blackhall 30.41
2.Brian Harold 28.34
3.John Cameron 27.43
4.George Cameron 11.57

Event No 4 Local Heavies (weight for height)

1.Jim Blackhall 30.41
2.Brian Harrold 28.34
3.John Cameron 27.43
4.George Cameron 26.55
5.Russ Barker 24.60

Event No 5 Local heavies (caber)

1.Jim Blackhall 1200
2.John Cameron 1200
3.Brian Harrold 1201
4.George Cameron 11.57
5.George Cameron 0.80

Event No 6 Junior heavy (shot putt)

1.James Blackhall 10.27


Event No 7 Open Heavy (shot putt)

1.Alistair Gunn 14.03
2.Russ Barker 12.94
3.Brian Harrold 12.80


Event No 8 100yds under 13 boys

1.Lewis Lyall 13.1
2.John Lockwood
3.Bobbie Buxton

Event No 9 100yds under 13 girls

1.Hollie Keanie 14.3
2.Ashley Patterson 15.4
3.Katie Guest 15.9

Event No 11 100yds under 15 girls

1.Rebekah Lowe 13.1
2.Sarah Millican 13.5
3.Charlie Guest

Event No 12 100yds under 17 boys

1.Donald Fergusson 11.8
2.Alan Hunter

Event No 13 100yds U17 girls

1.Sarah Smith 12.6
2.Chelsea Ross 14.1

Event No 14 100yds U20 Men

1.Donald Fergusson 11.7


Event No 15 100yds handicap Ladies

1. Sarah Smith 12.2
2. Chelsea Ross 13.9
3. Charlay Rae 16.5


Event No 16 High Jump (ladies handicap)

1.C Ross 1.53
2.S Millican 1.35
3.S Smith 1.20

Event No 17 High Jump (men’s handicap)

1.I Coghill 1.58
2.D Hare 1.55
3.D Macaskill 1.40

Event No 19 28lb weight for distance (open heavies)

1.Alistair Gunn 19.47
2.John Cameron 17.26
3.Jim Blackhall 16.90
4.Russ Barker 12.83
5.George Cameron 12.29

Event No 21 100yds (Men)

1.Donald Macaskill 12.4
2.Stewart Attinson 12.9
3.S Reeve 13.5

Event No 22 800m ladies handicap

1.R Lowe 2.26
2.S Smith 3.10

Event No 23 800m men’s handicap

1.Christopher Fife 2.20.3
2.S Atkinson 2.29.2
3.A Hunter 3.10.0

Event No 24 200m under 15 boys

1.I Coghill 29.3
2.Lewis Lyall 30.2
3.R Millican

Event No 25 200m under 15 girls

1.R Lowe 32.3
2.H Keanie 33.7
3.S Millican 35.1

Event No 26 Putting the shot (ladies)

1.S Smith 5.90
2.S Ross 5.52
3.C Ross 5.43


Event No 27 200m open ladies

1.S Smith 41.29
2.R Bryan 44.25

Event No 29 200m Men

1.D Fergusson 25.1
2.C Fyfe 26.0
3.S Atkinson 29.5


Event No 31 Scots hammer open heavy

1.Alistair Gunn 34.92
2.Brian Harrold 32.00
3.Russ Barker 29.81


Event No 33 1,500m Men

1.S Atkinson 5.12.1
2.C Fyfe
3.S Reeve

Event No 34 400m handicap ladies

1.S Smith 69.4
2.C Ross 88.1
3.A Paterson 93.4

Event No 35 400m handicap men

1.Donald Fergusson 53.6
2.C Fyfe 56.1
3.S Atkinson 63.5

Event No 36 44lb weight for distance junior heavy

1.James Blackhall 12’6

Event No 37 56lb weight for distance open heavies

1.Alistair Gunn 12’0
2.Jim Blackhall 11’6
3.Russ Barker 11’6
4.David Hart 11’0
5.John Cameron 10’0


Event No 39 tossing the caber open heavies

1.Alistair Gunn 11.59
2.Jim Blackhall 70
3.David Hart 60
4.Brian Harrold 50
5.John Cameron 45

Tug 'o War

Event No 40 Tug o War (men)

1.Carrbridge
2.Boat of Garten
3.Nethy Bridge

Event No 41 Tug o War (women)

1.Grantown
2.Nethy Bridge

 
CTC Web Design