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Forres’ biggest one day event saw record breaking visitor numbers with people attending from all over the world. The sun shone for the Forres Highland Games with record breaking numbers for attendance and solo piping and Highland dancing entries. Over 5000 people descended on Grant Park for the 95th Highland Games with queues forming well ahead of the gates opening at 11am. The Games were officially opened after the Forres & District Pipe Band paraded from the centre of Forres into the main arena where the official Games flag was raised. Jim Lawther who was given the honour of being chieftain for the day said: “It has been an amazing day, I am incredibly proud. I have had a fantastic day and it has been wonderful having my family up from Yorkshire for the event. The sun shone, there was a fantastic effort from the organising team and all the volunteers.” Jim who is a former Forres Highland Games trustee added: “After so many years volunteering, it was great to see it from the other side and really be able to see what an amazing show we put on in Forres.” Isaac Swanson and Maddie Partington had been chosen by their guidance teachers from Forres Academy to be Junior Chieftains for the day. Sadly, Maddie was unwell and was unable to attend the event. However, Isaac said he thoroughly enjoyed it: "It was my first Highland Games and my first time wearing a kilt. I love every minute of the day. I really liked the massed pipe bands and the heavy events." There was record entries in the Highland Dancing and Solo Piping. Claire Bryce, who organises the Highland Dancing contest said: “We have received record entries for the dancing this year as we have been able to open the competition up to all sections rather than just premier dancers. Last year we had less than 20 dancers, but this year we had just under 100. We had primary, beginners, novice and intermediate dancers too this year and the youngest primary dancer we had was five-years-old.” She added: “Forres is a lovely Highland Games, it’s very family friendly and as well as the dancing it also has athletics, solo piping, pipe bands and lots of different stalls.” Scott Hay, Piping convener said: “Once again the Forres Highland Games has been a great day out. This year we have attracted some of the best pipers in the country. There was an amazing number of entries.”

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Two pupils from Forres Academy have been given the honour of acting as junior chieftains at the Forres Highland Games which takes place on July 8. Isaac Swanson and Maddie Partington were chosen to represent their school at the Games. It is the second consecutive year that the Forres Highland Games committee has welcomed junior Chieftains from Forres Academy, with Isaac and Maddie following in the footsteps of Amy McGhee and James McPartlin last year. Isaac and Maddie (both 17) are now gearing up to spend the day at the Games meeting competitors, stallholders and handing out trophies alongside Jim Lawther who will act as Chieftain for the day. Maddie who is starting an internship with Mackenzie and Cruickshank Garden Centre over the summer on a Career Ready programme and Isaac who hopes to go to university to study environmental sciences or environmental geo science were nominated by their guidance teachers. Isaac represents Sueno house, whilst Maddie is in Dava. Speaking about the honour, Maddie said: “I’m really happy that the school thought I would be a good person to represent them at the Forres Highland Games. I don’t know much about Highland Games, but I am looking forward to finding out a bit more.” Maddie who is studying art, modern studies, history, mathematics and literacy and communications added: “It will be a really good start to the summer when I am also looking forward to starting work with Mackenzie and Cruickshank.” Isaac who recently performed his own piano composition at the school’s prize-giving ceremony and is studying advanced high biology, advanced higher music, level six science technology and leadership said: “I’m really looking forward to the day. I am proud that the school has chosen me to represent them in something like this. This will be my first ever experience of a Highland Games, so I hope to learn a bit about the games and make the most of the experience and just enjoy it.” Jan Sinclair, head teacher at Forres Academy said she was delighted the school was involved with an event in the local community: “We are delighted to have been able to nominate two of our pupils for a second year in a row to act as junior chieftains at this year's Forres Highland Games. It is important for our school to be involved in community events and it is exceptionally important that we have a link with this event given its heritage and historical importance.” Mrs Sinclair added: “Isaac and Maddie were chosen because throughout their time at Forres Academy these last five years they have shown great determination and commitment to the school. They are great role models for younger pupils and I am delighted they have this opportunity in this important local event.”

A man who has spent the best part of 40 years involved with Highland Games across the Highlands and North East of Scotland has been announced as this year’s Chieftain for the Forres event. Jim Lawther a well-known Forres volunteer has been given the honour for his contribution to the Forres Highland Games committee which began in 1987. A former aircraft electrician in the RAF, Jim who also volunteers with the Forres Heritage Trust and Forres Area Credit Union and is a volunteer buddy, became involved in the Games after being posted to RAF Kinloss. He was persuaded to get involved by Forres Highland Games president Fred Davidson, and before he knew it was qualifying as an athletics official and was travelling all over Moray and the Highlands officiating at different Games. Jim said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be given the honour of being Chieftain. It’s certainly not something that I expected. It’s been part of my life for a very long time, and I am looking forward to being able to see the Games from a different perspective this year.” Over the years, Jim has carried out most roles on the day of the Forres Highland Games which this year takes place in Grant Park on July 8, as he explained: “I have done most roles from doing the gate, being in the secretary’s tent, acting as the arena manager and I am keen to help out in the run up to the day itself by helping to mark out the arena and getting the site ready.” He added: “Interestingly, although I am a qualified field official and have travelled to many, many Highland Games to judge, it is many years since I have officiated at Forres Highland Games as I have always been too busy doing other tasks.” Now in the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Games, the event has always been a real international affair attracting participants and thousands of spectators. The event incorporates massed pipe bands, Highland dancing, piping and drumming, sideshows, stalls and other entertainment, but it is the track and field events which Jim likes the most. “My two favourite events are the caber toss and the Scots hammer. If you see a skilful athlete, who does it really well it’s fantastic, there is a real skill to it and it can be amazing to watch.” Jim, who has been a sponsor of the junior heavy events for many years added: “I also love seeing the youngsters compete and giving it their all. Where they are placed is neither here nor there, it’s just great to see youngsters turn up and have such passion for whichever event they are competing in.” Fred Davidson, president of the Forres Highland Games said: “The trustees of the Forres Highland Games wish to sincerely thank Jim for the many years of much valued service to our organisation. Jim has always been an active and well-respected committee member and trustee, fully contributing to the organising and running of the Games each year and helping drive innovation and continuous improvement and success. On the day, Jim will be invited to take part in the opening ceremony, parading behind Forres and District Pipe Band, then delivering a few words of welcome over the PA system to all before declaring the Games officially open.”

Forres Highland games are shocked and saddened by the news of the sudden and unexpected passing of John Channon our 2019 Games Chieftain on the 12th January 2022. We mourn his passing not only as a past Games Chieftain and friend, but also as the leader and much respected ambassador of Forres & District Pipe Band. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.  Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and band members.