Sunshine and Community Spirit at Lesmahagow Highland Games
The Lesmahagow Highland Games, the last surviving Games in Lanarkshire, celebrated its 64th year on Saturday with glorious sunshine at Glebe Park. Chieftain Eric Watson opened the event, joined by Tartan Queen Ruby Manson and her court of Princesses Kirstie Morris, Gracie Carr, and Clansmen Denis Kilgour and Jack Blackwood.
Thousands Attend Free Event
The community turned out in force, with thousands lining the streets for the Chieftain’s Procession before enjoying free entry to the Games. Chairman David Abercrombie highlighted the strong local bond: “Lesmahogow Highland Games, into its 64th year, is the only surviving Games in the whole of Lanarkshire. We have a very strong local community bond, and the villagers turn out in their thousands to watch the spectacle.”
International Visitors and Returning Piper
Visitors from New Zealand, the United States, France, Germany, and Australia attended this year. Notably, Bill Right, who left Lesmahagow for Australia 60 years ago, returned to play the pipes with the Coalburn IOR band for the first time since the early 1960s.
Attractions and Entertainment
The Games featured pipe bands, Highland dancing, Scottish back-hold wrestling, cheer and pom routines, street dancing, a heavyweight contest, funfair, inflatables, pony rides, a mini-pet zoo, climbing wall, and a market street. Despite torrential rain in preceding days, the sun shone all day, keeping the park busy in the afternoon heat.
Ceilidh Dances into the Night
The Chieftain, Tartan Queen, and her Court later attended the Chieftain’s Ceilidh, dancing until the early hours. The event continues to strengthen community ties and attract global visitors, underscoring its status as a cherished Lanarkshire tradition.
