“Ceres Highland Games One of Best Ever”

THIS year’s Ceres Highland Games has been hailed as one of the most successful in its recent history, with a huge crowd and a line-up of competitors from as far afield as Canada.

In the absence of chieftain Sir Menzies Campbell, who was unable to attend due to illness, president Grant Robertson took on a dual role this year, donning the red Robertson tartan to open the day’s proceedings.

Held in its traditional venue of Bow Butts, in the heart of the village, the event attracted a large turnout of spectators that included more than 100 Americans, who were taking in a trip to Ceres Games as part of a bus tour of Scotland.

As well as offering spectacular entertainment, the event also has great historical significance as it is the oldest free games in Scotland, having been established in 1314 in honour of the local men who fought at Bannockburn.

With the exception of the war years, it’s been held every year since. This year’s games had all the traditional ingredients, including Highland dancing, piping, cycling and athletics, with the City of St Andrews Pipe Band helping to create its unique atmosphere.

As always, the heavy events proved particularly popular, with competitors arriving from all over Scotland and the north of England and even from Canada.

The US contingent were so impressed that they even tried their hand at throwing the famous Ceres Stane once the serious competition had ended.

Mr Robertson said: “Games day was a great success, with the largest crowd for many a year.

“My thanks must go to the hard-working games committee as well as the girls of the village who sold programmes and collected donations.

“Not only is Ceres home to the oldest Highland games, but it’s also been described as the prettiest village in Scotland, so we have much to be proud of.”