Games call over big attractions

Chinese lion dancers featured at the 2008 Inverness games

A Highland Games commentator of more than 40 years has urged organisers to leave the main arena to traditional dancing and athletics competitions.

Broadcaster Robbie Shepherd said other attractions, such as parachute displays, could take place outside the central ring.

However, another commentator, Colin Baillie, said non-traditional events had saved Inverness's games.

The city's Highland Games take place this weekend.

It will feature the Masters World Championships, an international heavyweight contest.

Among those expected to compete is Japan's Kengo Kubota, who became interested in caber tossing and throwing the hammer while studying in Glasgow.

If you are entertaining people by keeping them informed you don't need all the great major attractions Robbie Shepherd Broadcaster

Kubota is believed to be the first Asian games competitor to travel to the Highlands to compete.

Last year's games featured cheerleaders, Chinese lion dancers and a parachute display.

In 2007, artists Strange Fruit of Australia performed on 15ft high poles.

Mr Shepherd, a regular at the Braemar Gathering which is attended by the Royal Family, and Inverness games veteran Mr Baillie went "head-to-head" on BBC Radio Scotland's Highland Cafe.

On the programme, they debated what should feature in a Highland Games.

'Diverse attractions'

Mr Shepherd said Oldmeldrum Sports in Aberdeenshire had to interrupt traditional events in the arena to allow for a parachute display.

He said: "It is all very well having your attractions outside the main arena.

"I have found in the 40 odd years I have been commentating the pendulum is coming back again and if you are entertaining people by keeping them informed you don't need all the great major attractions."

However, Mr Baillie said the Inverness Highland Games was "going down the tubes" before the arrival of Gerry Reynolds as an organiser.

The commentator said some of Mr Reynold's ideas often went over his head, but added: "He has brought the city back into the games with diverse attractions."

Mr Baillie added that from 2,000 spectators at previous games, Inverness was now drawing 10,000 on each of the two days it is held.