VISITORS from far and wide flocked to Rosneath in their hundreds on Sunday afternoon to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Rosneath Highland Gathering.

Highland dancers, heavyweight athletes, cyclists and runners were joined by pipers from all over Scotland and beyond for the Gathering's internationally-renowned solo piping competition.

The event's chieftain, for a second year running, was Captain Craig Mearns, commanding officer of HM Naval Base Clyde, who attended Rosneath Primary School – just a caber's throw away from the Gathering's Howie Park venue – as a child.

And with visitor numbers on the day reaching four figures, the Gathering's organisers were delighted at the success of the day – and relieved at their decision to press ahead with the event despite a cut in funding support for the Gathering from Argyll and Bute Council.

Games chairman Robert MacIntyre said: “All in all it was a very successful day for the village. Captain Mearns did a first class job as our chieftain and we enjoyed having him back as much as he enjoyed the day.

“Everyone who was there, whether to watch or take part, seemed to enjoy their day, and now we're keen to improve on it for next year.”

Mr MacIntyre singled out staff from Argyll and Bute Council for making sure the park was in ideal condition for the event and paid tribute to all the businesses and community organisations in the surrounding area who gave their financial support.

He added: “We are very grateful to them all for supporting the event and making sure it was able to go ahead.”

The Gathering's secretary, Evelyn Smith, estimated that around a thousand people attended the Gathering to participate or watch the day's events.