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Fort William is host to Lochaber Highland Games on the last
Satuday of July each year. The Games are held on the field at An
Aird and enjoy a great backdrop of Ben Nevis and Cow Hill. 25 July 2009
  
History
The modern form of Highland Games is a continuation of a gathering
which had it’s origin centuries ago in clan culture in
the Highlands. The clan Chiefs organised contests to find
the strongest men for bodyguards, the fastest men for couriers
and the fittest men for their fighting force. As a sporting
event, these contests were a way by which the rival clans could
compete with each other without resorting to the bloodshed of
battle, however not all contests were warlike. Pipers and
dancers were also important for entertainment and the best of
these could find a place in the Chiefs retinue.
The Chieftain
Affectionately known as ‘Sir Jimmy’, or just plain ‘Jimmy,
our Honorary Chieftain Sir Jimmy Savile has been coming to the
games now for over 30 years. With a home in Glencoe and
a love for Lochaber and the Highlands, Sir Jimmy has always been
involved in athletics and marathon running, and in raising millions
of pounds for charity over the years. It is entirely appropriate
that all these strands come together on games day with all the
sporting, athletic and highland events and the profits going
to local charities.
Piping
During the day, a junior piping competition is held at the piping
marquee playing the March Strathspey and Reel, a Jig and the
Piobaireachd.
Heavies Events
Junior and senior heavies events take place over the day commencing
around 10.00am. Competitions include throwing the scots
hammer, tossing the caber, weight over the bar and throwing
the light stone.
Athletics
On the track, there is a full athletics programme of 100m, 200m,
400m 800m and 1500m races for various age groups plus long
jump, relay and fun races for the young children. A tug
of war competition is also run.
For visitors with mobility disabilities, there is a motability
scooter race which usually has a strong fun element.
The main athletics event external to the field is The Cow Hill
race which is an arduous 2 mile hill race climing 287 metres
(900’), the majority of which can be viewed from the field
with binoculars.
Highland Dancing
Beginners, Novice, Intermediate, Premier and adult competitions
are held for up to 10 dances including the Pas de Basques, Highland
Fling, Sword Dance and Hornpipe. The dancing competition is run
under SOBHD rules.
The Clann
The Clann are a period authentic group of highlanders who are
experts on the use of traditional weaponry. The Clann
set up an encampment on the field to allow visitors to see
how highlanders may have lived and to allow inspection of their
armoury. During the afternoon, The Clann provide 2 full
battle displays with commentary. Visit their website at www.theclann.co.uk
Other Attractions
- Trade stalls
- Charity Stalls
- Bouncy castle
- Beer tent
- Armed forces displays
Contact details day: 01397
703711 mob: 07780 546191
email: Games Secretary
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