Variety’s the key for a weekend to remember

Jun 24 2009 by Alan Rennie, Editor

SPENT last Friday with a well-known sporting family in Dunblane – no, not you know who, but the rugby-playing McKenzies!

Catching up with news on the golf course with Scotland cap Kevin and his equally talented brother Mark was made more special by the fact we were joined for the day by father Tom.

It was a reunion of our Spanish golf holiday dozen and the weather stayed fair, the Dunblane New course was in good nick, and the clubhouse facilities afterwards were first-rate.

Everything looks rosier, however, when you’re winning and the pairing of Rennie and Davie Baird put Kevin and his former Bridgehaugh team-mate Kenny Harper to the sword.

Perhaps Kenny was saving some energy for the following day’s Rob Roy Challenge. He was raising charity funds in the 55-mile walking and cycling marathon from Drymen to Kenmore.

Retrieving an “abandoned” vehicle from the golf club on Saturday morning, I was given a very clear indication of the legacy of Andy Murray, no matter how far he progresses at Wimbledon.

On the adjacent tennis courts, there were hundreds of youngsters enjoying tennis coaching. And TV crews were there interviewing Judy Murray.

That afternoon, I made my way to Kings Park where everyone from weans in prams to grizzled WW2 veterans made for a great atmosphere at the Stirling Armed Forces Day.

If you missed it on Saturday, watch out for previews next year and go along. This event is going to help enhance Stirling’s reputation as a “must see” destination.

I made my apologies and left before the end because I wanted to put my feet up for an hour or so before setting off for Edinburgh where the good lady was taking part in the Edinburgh Moonwalk.

As in the past, I had volunteered for marshal duties and this time I was stationed right at the foot of the Royal Mile. Encouraging the walkers and placating irate taxi drivers at “Road Closed” signs made the hours speed by and it didn’t seem long before we were homeward bound to Stirling.

Strathcarron Hospice Midnight Tiara Walk organisers will be interested to note that two common Moonwalk complaints this year were lack of toilet provision and delays in getting everyone away at the start.

I think these problems have no solution – you’ve just got to do your best.

Anyway, I managed to snatch a few hours’ kip on Sunday morning and then I was off to Cambusbarron park for the start of the “Walk of the Gillies” to Bannockburn.

I’d never managed to take part in this event which is part historical re-enactment, part protest campaign against the re-activation of the quarry workings at Gillies Hill.

There was great cameraderie – the marchers were not just “the usual suspects” but were drawn from various political hues and social backgrounds.

Well done to all involved in the organisation and planning not only on Sunday but over the previous two days as well.

All their efforts allowed me to say on Sunday night – “What a great weekend!”.

By Alan Rennie, Editor