Ardrossan Highland Games return after two-year absence

It was a long awaited return for one of the biggest events on the Three Towns calendar, after the Covid-19 pandemic had put a halt to proceedings in both 2020 and 2021.

And plenty of people from the Three Towns and beyond were out in high spirits, as thousands flocked to enjoy the day.

This year’s Chieftain was Alec Wilkie, proprietor of local design business Clyde Studios, who spent most of his childhood growing up in Saltcoats, where he still resides today with his wife Lesley.

There were plenty of smiles on Sunday at the Ardrossan Highland Games’ triumphant return

He has been a long time supporter of the Games, along with many other local organisations.

And unsurprisingly he was delighted to have the Highland Games back as they should be.

READ MORE: Cunninghame Housing Association delighted to support Ardrossan Highland Games

Alec told the gathering: “Thank you everyone for your hard work getting to where you are today. A great effort and a huge thank you.

“Here’s to a great day today that you guys made happen.”

And a great day it was, with competitions aplenty, with worthy winners crowned, and stalls enjoying a day’s trading out in the open - even if the weather wasn’t perfect!

Full competition results are available on the ‘Ardrossan Highland Games’ Facebook page.

Of course the traditional music and dancing, as well as being competitive, provided punters with an amazing day of entertainment.

One woman, who was attending her first games, spoke of just how much she enjoyed the event, and taking in the competitions.

READ MORE: Ardrossan teenager gives back to children's hospital charity

She said: “My family, visiting from America, were cheering for the Porterfield family! Excellent job, we really enjoyed our first Highland games!”

While another attendee stated that “even a couple hours rain couldn’t ruin the morning”.

Over 2,500 tickets for the event were given out to children in local primary schools, and they were kept entertained by Silly McB the clown, who came down from Perthshire to attend the event.

There were also a few more ‘well kent faces fae our area’ in attendance, with many of the game’s past chieftains down to support this year’s edition of the games.

One of them, Councillor Jim Montgomerie, commented: “Well done to all for organising. A great event for our local town.”

A massive congratulations from all at the Herald to all of the volunteers who gave up their time to help organise this amazing event, and to anyone who took part in the day's events. We can’t wait until next year already!

Keep an eye on our website and social media pages for more pictures from the Games.