Borgie Boys show off their pulling powers
A RECORD-breaking 16 teams wrestled for honours in a pub quiz which heralded the start of Bettyhill Gala.
The group led by Ross Mackay, Leckfurin, edged the win over the runners-up, captained by Joanna Johnston last Thursday.
The curtain-raiser was followed the next afternoon with a sandcastle competition which attracted entries from 23 teams.
A fun event was staged later in the day at the North Coast Leisure Centre where the White team was declared winner of the competition.
Last Friday night’s prime activity roared into action with 70 participants battling to win the car treasure hunt compiled by Joan Mackay, of Eilean nan Uan.
The parade of decorated floats and locals in fancy dress followed last Saturday with stalls and entertainment at Farr High park and an evening dance in the village hall featuring music from the Blue Ridge band. A crowd assembled at Lochan Duinte for the raft race on Sunday when a breach of etiquette was discovered – the Borgie Boys’ high-velocity craft disintegrated sufficiently to reveal rowers were being supplemented by an outboard motor. However, the boys were rewarded with a special prize for innovation!
The local fire unit’s duck race was staged next with a sheep race and tug-of-war contest later in the day.
In the latter, the Borgie Boys were first to step up to the mark and disposed of Bettyhill’s scratch team with two pulls.
Enlivened by this display of machismo, a ladies’ teams emerged and, as no matching female team could be found, challenged the four strongest Borgie Boys to pull against them. Though they accepted the challenge with confidence, the boys were no match for the girls’ team.
Finally the Borgie Boys split into two teams of four and pulled against each other, producing the most gruelling display of pulling power in this mixed-up match.
It was then time for a new event – the ladies’ fancy-dress football – featuring a team of "Smurfs" versus a squad kitted out as the Bettyhill football team, complete with (unwashed) strip.
Both teams played very good football in a very even match which resulted in a 3-2 win for the Smurfs.
Proceeds from the four-day event have yet to be counted but, while a slight reduction in income compared to previous years is anticipated, the organising committee is pleased with the result.
