Visitors from far and wide flocked to Helensburgh to enjoy the Helensburgh and Lomond Highland Games on Saturday – making the most of the sun as the forecast for thunderstorms proved a welcome false alarm.

Not only did thousands of locals turn out for the annual event, but people travelled from abroad just for the Games.

Sephton MacQuire, the Games’ chairman, told the Advertiser: “We were delighted to welcome 20 Americans from the State of Texas Midland College and the town itself.

“They had been corresponding from early in the year and came with a letter of appreciation from the Mayor of Midland for the hospitality and the warm welcome of an invitation to attend our Games.

“There were also 20 French rugby players who came for a stag weekend. But there were a huge number of Americans, French, Germans, Canadians and as far away as Hawaii and New Zealand.”

Some of the most popular events were the heavy events and the athletics. With backing from a cheering crowd,Vlad Tulacht, from the Czech Republic, nearly broke a world record in the ‘56lb weight over the bar’ contest, but fell just a few inches short with a height of 16 inches.

While some people enjoyed watching the sporting events, There was plenty for the whole family with many children enjoying entertainment from the puppeteer, magician and Highland dancing.

Sephton added: “The Games committee would like to say a big thank you to the people of Helensburgh and Lomond for your support. Now all that remains is to start again the planning for next year. We would also like to thank our sponsors, the athletic and SHGA judges and our committed helpers who worked so hard during the day.”