Anyone with any knowledge of the Scottish Highlands will know how important a role the Highland Games play in the lives of those who live here.  It is an opportunity to gather, laugh, talk, play, compete, eat, and honour someone in particular within their community.  This year the honour of Chieftain 2008 went to Alex Dickson.



In the programme of events, there was a precis of Alex's life, and the writer ended with a description of Alex that describes him so perfectly that I shall simply repeat it (although I have shortened it slightly):

"He creates opportunities for folk to mix and meet.  Like it or not, we find reason to describe Alexander James Dickson, ....... as 'a good thing'.  There is a natural tireless kindness and helpfulness and generosity and Lebensbejahung about the man and he richly deserves to be our Chieftain."

Well done Alex!  You presided over a lovely day.  A day which included ballet in the form of Shot Put:










A new line in Designer Wear:








[caption id="attachment_732" align="aligncenter" width="210" caption="Designer Wear 2008 Assynt Style"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_733" align="aligncenter" width="133" caption="Fly Fishing Fashion 2008"][/caption]

Although there were a few wardrobe issues:



It's not easy getting the many yards necessary to make a kilt into a sack!

There was highland dancing with very nifty footwork, and I doubt anyone can look at the picture on the bottom left without saying "aaaahhhh":











And there were young men hurling themselves ever higher and higher (well, actually, not that high.  As Stevan quietly pointed out "I've jumped higher"!):



Even the weather was kind to us.  Had it been today, it would have been a washout.  But instead folk were enjoying the sunshine, eating mackeral sandwiches followed by strawberries, waffles and cream.  A good day all round.