Inverness Highland Games makes a splash despite the weather
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Thousands of people braved scattered showers to attend the Inverness Highland Games at Bught Park today.
The event attracted a record number of women heavy competitors, with 15 involved – a larger field than in the men's contest.
A full grandstand and outfield seating area watched on as the City of Inverness Pipe Band and guests from the Forres and District Pipe Band officially opened the event taking centre stage to perform a salute to the chieftain.
It was followed by a welcome speech from Inverness Provost Glynis Campbell-Sinclair where she said the games had been one of the most popular events staged in the city for almost 200 years.
"I hope you will enjoy discovering why traditional Highland games remains so popular here in Scotland and brings so much enjoyment wherever Scots and their descendants gather together to celebrate across the globe," she said.
"I also hope those who are joining us from around the world, and who may be attending the game for the very first time, can enjoy the thrill and excitement of this unique event."
It came after the inaugural Colour Fun Run where dozens of participants ran 3K from the games site along the River Ness back to the grandstand while being hit by colourful powder, it preceded further athletic endeavours with track and field on display.
High standards were also shown with the traditional open piping contests on one side of the games field, while on the opposite side was seemingly flawless open Highland dancing.
Exemplary strength was on show with the Stoltman brothers – Tom and Luke, of Invergordon – who are known as the world's strongest brothers. Their own dedicated area of the site prompted lengthy queues to meet the World's Strongest Man finalists, with some buying merchandise associated with the duo.
Other attractions included a Highland heritage tent featuring representatives of at least a dozen clans as well as Inverness Outlanders.
There were craft stalls, food and drink stands, eateries – including some regulars from the Highland Food and Drink Trail – as well as several stalls raising awareness of charitable causes and the armed forces. A funfair also offered extra entertainment.
MacGregor's Bar played a major role running a beer tent plus an evening ceilidh which includes performances from the bar's own Bruce MacGregor of Blazin Fiddles.
The event attracted locals along with many tourists including groups from Asia, North America, Germany, France and Spain.
Despite some wetter spells, the crowd seemed to enjoy themselves.
