Published: Thursday, 18th June, 2009 11:00am

Highland heatwave

by David Carnduff

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The offiicial party, accompanied by pipers, march to the rugby club grounds for the official opening of the Highland Games.

Crowds flocked to Helensburgh and Lomond Highland Games on Sunday as a mini heatwave sent temperatures soaring.

Several thousand people thronged Helensburgh Rugby Club grounds as the sun blazed down on the tartan spectacular.

Yet, in a bizarre meteorological twist, neighbouring Dumbarton suffered devastating thunderstorms that saw streets turned into rivers. The A82 was impassable at Milton with the carriageway under three feet of water.

Games Chairman Sephton MacQuire said afterwards: 'We were blessed with great weather, considering what was happening only a few miles away in Dumbarton. It was really busy. In these days of financial restrictions we are delighted to be able to give something back to the community at an affordable price.'

The field was already thronged with visitors when the official party, accompanied by Helensburgh and District Pipe Band and Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Pipe Band marched through the gates at noon to herald the start of the afternoon"s events.

Mr MacQuire welcomed everyone to the games and introduced the Games Chieftain, Diarmid Iain MacAulay, Chief of the Clan MacAulay, by calling for the 'Salute to the Chief'.

Mr MacAulay said he was delighted once again to be Games Chieftain, especially in this the Year of Homecoming, and he extended a warm welcome to those visitors from abroad who were once again "home in Scotland".

He pointed out that he was not the only clan chief attending that day. He welcomed the Chief of the Clan Colquhoun, Sir Malcolm Colquhoun of Luss who was attending with Lady Colquhoun and son Fergus.

Mr MacQuire told the Advertiser the grant of £8,750 from the Lottery Awards for All to support the games had been fantastic news, particularly after rumours had circulated that the games were never going to happen this year. The committee had had a hard struggle but were determined the games would take place now and in the future, he said.

The number of stalls had been increased from 31 last year to 49 this year and extra entertainment and activities had been provided for children. The layout of the park had also been modified, he said.

These changes were welcomed by many of the charities and organisations who had taken stalls.

FULL STORY, RESULTS AND MORE PICTURES IN THIS WEEK'S ADVERTISER