News
TRH attend the Mey Games in Caithness
5th August 2006
The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay received a warm welcome when they attended the Mey Games in Caithness.
The event, which is just a few miles from John O' Groats in the north of Scotland, was a favourite treat of The Queen Mother.
She spent every summer at her Castle of Mey residence before her death in 2002.
The Duke and Duchess drove themselves the short distance to the games and were piped into the field to ‘Scotland the Brave' played by Caithness Junior Pipe Band.
The Duke wore his Hunting Stewart tartan of ancient colours, and The Duchess wore a Gordon Highlanders tartan jacket and skirt, finished off with a Hunting Stewart tartan wrap also of ancient colours.
They were welcomed by Games Chairman Charlie Simpson and the Lord Lieutenant of Caithness, Anne Dunnett.
Their Royal Highnesses were also greeted by Wick Rotary Club President Sandy Manson who presented the couple with honorary certificates of membership, and 10-year-old Nicola Calder from Scarfskerry, who handed over a posy of flowers.
There was another unexpected gift for The Duchess from a family of holidaymakers from Berkshire.
Sisters Charlotte and Anastasia Harrison-Moore, aged two and five respectively, presented The Duchess with two bouquets they had picked that morning.
A delighted Duchess thanked them profusely and said it was ‘really kind'.
The Duke and Duchess then watched an hour of typical Highland competition such as hammer-throwing, shot put and caber-tossing.
Spectators who included bemused foreign tourists and local picnic parties also had the chance to take part in 100-yard dashes, high jumps and long jumps.
Mey Games chairman Mr Simpson, 73, said the day had been blessed with warm sunny “Queen Mother weather”.
He said: “It was always lovely when she came, like today.
“It is lovely to see the Royal connection to the Games remain intact, and we hope it continues.”
Later The Duke, who is the game's official chieftain, judged the final of the Tug of War event. The discipline was a particular favourite of The Queen Mother.
A team from Halkirk Village in Caithness heaved their way to victory, earning a crate of ale and a chat with The Duke for their efforts.
Halkirk coach Bruce Swanson said: “The Duke was very interested in our technique and he told us we had done very well.”
After the event, The Duke and The Duchess chatted with well-wishers and waved to the watching crowd as they left and were piped back out of the field.