THE commanding officer of HM Naval Base Clyde says he is delighted to be returning for a second year as chieftain of the Rosneath Highland Gathering.

Captain Craig Mearns will take on the ceremonial role at the event, taking place this Sunday, July 16.

The event will see athletes, Highland dancers and pipers from far and wide head to the Peninsula for what is always an eagerly-awaited feature both of the local events calendar and the national Highland Gathering circuit.

Because Rosneath has the biggest and most prestigious solo piping competition on the games circuit, the gates open at 9am for the start of the event, and all stalls and sides shows will be on field by 10am.

The formal Games will begin with a parade through Rosneath from 12.30pm led by Captain Mearns, Games chairman Robert MacIntyre, and the Clan Colquhoun Pipe Band.

The usual Highland Games heavy events will be held, including the Clach Mackenny hill race and a wide range of running and cycling events.

Captain Mearns, who attended Rosneath Primary School from 1975-77, said: “I am once again honoured to be returning as chieftain for 2017 and take great pleasure in welcoming both visitors and competitors to the Rosneath Peninsula Highland Gathering.

Whether you live locally or have travelled from the other side of the world, I hope you enjoy taking in the sights and sounds of the highland games and the wonderful warmth of the welcome from the communities on the beautiful Rosneath Peninsula.

“A Gathering is a traditional coming together of friends and neighbours and as captain of the Naval Base at Faslane I am aware that we as neighbours have a much larger responsibility than most to our friends in the local and wider communities around us. 

“The Naval Base is the largest single site employer in Scotland and the Royal Navy, along with our industrial partners, work hard to ensure the Base makes a positive economic, social and cultural contribution to both the local community and wider region.

The Gathering is run by volunteers, funded by local businesses and organisations, for the benefit of all in the local community and visitors alike, who all want to share in and enjoy a memorable experience.

It’s great to come back, and if you see me walking the field please come and say hello – I would love to meet you and have a chat.  After all, that is what a gathering is all about!”

The Gathering's chairman, Robert MacIntyre, said: “First established in 1979, the Gathering is now in to its 38th year and the Rosneath competitions have earned an international reputation, attracting competitors from around the world.

“Come and join us on Sunday and enjoy the colour and spectacle of a traditional village Highland Games as well as all the other attractions that are laid on to make this a very special family day out."