Successful Bridge of Allan Games

Aug 11 2010 by Stephen Robertson, Stirling Observer Wednesday

HAVING a TV weatherman as chieftain at this year’s Bridge of Allan Highland Games seemed to be a masterstroke as the rain stayed away adding to a hugely successful event on Sunday.

Sean Batty, weatherman with STV, did the honours as chieftain this year and he was a huge hit with the crowd, who flocked to the games in their thousands.

On the day, Sean said: “It’s just such a privilege to be here as chieftain, especially when I look back over the years and see the others that have had the honour.

“It has been absolutely fantastic and great to see so many people here.”

And asked for a quick weather forecast on the day, Sean joked: “On Friday, I said that it would be dry and 20 degrees for the games – so fingers crossed.”

But Sean needn’t have worried, as the rain stayed off and contributed to what was a fantastic event.

With competitor numbers up as well, it really turned out to be one to remember.

Afterwards, games secretary Sandy Nicol said: “The crowd was up and we reckon that there were over 8000, though with the pipe bands, dancers and other competitors we were probably through the 10,000 mark.

“It was one of those great days.”

The great success of Sunday’s event now sets things up nicely for next year when the 160th annual games take place, with a number of repeat bookings having already been made.