Mull’s scaled down games a winner

Mull Highland Games organisers have hailed this year’s alternative gathering a winner.

When the virus threatened to put a stop to the traditional games for a second year running, organisers decided to come up with something new to keep the spirit of the event alive and kicking on the island.

The usual games were scaled down, races still went ahead, picnics were encouraged with a producers market on site and Tobermory High School Pipe Band still put on a parade.

With many of the familiar heavy weight contestants not travelling this year, Brian Robin - who has been competing and running events throughout Argyll for more than 45 years - invited Edinburgh’s iron man Kyle Randall to come and coach some new competitors from the island, encouraging them on to the throwing fi eld.

In support of the event, the Co-op at Tobermory presented a £200 cheque to organisers for a new banner and Covid 19 signs.

Mull Highland Games chairman William Hume said the games would be back in full next year, Covid allowing.

‘Going ahead with a smaller gathering was the right thing to do this year and we were rewarded for it with a good turnout and sunshine. We didn’t want to see another year without the games because we would’ve had to build it all up again. This way we managed to keep the spirit of it alive. All being well, Mull Highland Games will be back to its usual self in 2022,’ said Mr Hume who thanked everyone who worked so hard for the gathering to go ahead, especially mentioning the generous support from sponsors and patrons.