Basking in the sunshine at Mey Highland Games 2023 – 'It's been the best games ever'
Speculation as to whether King Charles III would turn up for his regular fixture at the Mey Highland Games in John O'Groats was finally resolved after he made his usual appearance as games chieftain at around 3pm on Saturday.
After the drizzly weather of last year's games, the event will be remembered for its near perfect conditions with the only discernible changes being a much heightened security presence due to His Majesty's new role.
Head judge for the games, Charlie Murray, said: "It was a brilliant day and I think everybody in the arena has enjoyed themselves.
"It was a great competition. We were very fortunate to have three of the fellows who compete in the circuit every week – Jamie Gunn from Halkirk, Stuart Anderson from Lochearnhead and John Macleod from Lochinver."
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Andrew Sinclair, chairman of the games committee, agreed with the sentiments of Mr Murray saying it was "fantastic" and added that "everything went according to plan".
"Given the rain we had last year I think we were really lucky. Crowds turned out in their thousands and we couldn't have asked for a better turnout. Everyone is on a high right now; the committee has done a really great job. It was business as usual with regards to security and we try to remain as unobtrusive as possible."
Mr Sinclair did note that His Majesty's security team was ramped up compared to previous years and though the royal walkabout had been obviously curtailed, the King still had time to shake hands with members of the public. "I think they really appreciated that. Some people were getting very emotional due to the fact they were meeting the King for the first time. They come to the event not knowing what to expect and it's really interesting to see visitors, some on holiday, turning up and meeting the King – it's an emotional moment for a lot of them."
The chairman said that events on the field had gone well and the adaptive athletes had experienced a "great few days visiting the sights of Caithness". Another committee member said that there had been around 4000 visitors and called it "the best games ever". She added that there was no doubt that the fine weather had helped on the day.
Former MSP Gail Ross was an invited guest to the royal tent and is vice chair of the games committee. "This has been an outstanding day and better than we could have hoped for. He asked me if I was enjoying my new job [at Dounreay] and we had a bit of a laugh about politics in general," she said.
Henry Gunn, ground convenor, said that his responsibilities included organising public entertainment licences; checking that everything is erected safely at the site; helping with events in the ring; and "just pulling everything together". He said there was not much chance to speak to the new King apart from a "few quiet words when he arrived".
He added: "There was much tighter security and it had to be. The security people were absolutely brilliant to work with and everyone understood who was doing what. They were delighted with the way we ran it."
Para-athletes with the Wounded Highlanders all talked about how delighted they were to be back in Caithness. Disabled veteran Mark Tonner was with his sons Joey and Ethan along with Rosie the dog. "I think I came overall second or third," he said. "I got a new world record in weight for distance and competed in caber, shot put and weight for height." He said that in 2010 he had been blown up by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan and had lost use of one arm. "It doesn't hold me back though."
Davie Dent MBE, who was wounded by a surface-to-air-missile in Bosnia in the 1990s, beat his shot put world record by an inch at the event. "Last year the weather was colder and it was tougher going so not so many records. But this year with the weather and training it's much better."
Jim Holborn created the Wounded Highlanders group which uses sport and Highland games as part of a recovery initiative to help the former servicemen. "Today went brilliant and we want to thank the committee for inviting us along. As far as I know, we had a couple of world records with female athlete Trish Lawson, along with Mark Tonner and Davie Dent who extended his own world record in shot put."
Female competitors were also delighted with their performances with Zuzana Spasova, Rebecca Maeule, Trish Lawson and Laura Barber saying they compete in various Highland Games events. Rebecca from Germany had done especially well in 'weight for height' and said: "You don't need a military background and we compete in ladies open events. Today's been really grand." Trish said that she had beaten her previous record.
Another ex-military man, Kev Stewart from Wick, was also at the games but not competing as an athlete. "It's my first time being a standard bearer and I'm absolutely honoured doing this for the British Legion." The other standard bearer, Alex Paterson also from Wick, said he has been acting in that role for 40 years.
Members of the Caithness and Sutherland Vintage and Classic Vehicle Club got the chance to show King Charles III a 1930 Humber that had belonged to a previous owner of His Majesty's residence at the Castle of Mey. Vice chair of the club, James Green, said: "He asked if the car still starts and was delighted to see it. It was a great honour."
Some of the many spectators had the chance to meet the King in a much reduced walkabout tour of the main arena. Anna Polson from Lybster said her son got a royal handshake and said he "wasn't going to wash his hands now".
The Lord-Lieutenant of Caithness, Lord Thurso, escorted the King throughout the event and said: “With glorious weather, strong competition and a record gate this was Caithness at her best.
"His Majesty greatly enjoyed the games and delights in seeing it go from strength to strength. I thought it was great to see so many people both local and visitors enjoying the day and congratulate the chairman and committee on producing such a great spectacle.”
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