HELENSBURGH has been thanked for its hospitality by an American who visited for the Helensburgh and Lomond Highland Games.

Chairman of the games, Sephton MacQuire received an email request from an American man who requested a chance to take part in the novice heavyweight competitions.

As no locals signed up for the day the professionals decided to include him in with some of their early workup competitions and organisers gave him a competition kilt for the day.

The American, Zachary Kothe, got back in touch with Mr MacQuire by email to say how much he enjoyed his visit.

He said: "The games were amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed myself and the atmosphere there entirely. The dedication, friendliness, solidarity of all those involved truly made this a wonderful experience.

"A special thanks to you sir for the kilt, the correspondence while preparing, and the overall hospitality. I really want to come back next year. As of now it is a little too soon to tell.

"In the mean time I will continue to practice and search for other nearby games this summer.

"I plan to put this kilt to use and if not next year, at some point in the future I'll make it back to Helensburgh."