THE Dundonald Highland Games was a great success with record crowds and fantastic sunny weather.

In it’s 29th year, the event started with a fancy-dress competition on Saturday, August 11, judged by this year’s Chieftain, Kenny Easton.

The main procession was led by Joseph McQuiston, the Junior Chieftain and were paraded down the Main Street by Kilmarnock Pipeband with the games previous Chieftain Willie Stewart, Deputy Provost William Grant, Chairwoman Louise McCartan and highland dancing primary winners.

Queen, Caitlin Croll and her attendants Brooke Sutterfield and Emma Haddow also enjoyed the procession in a horse drawn carriage.

Over 130 highland dancers from all over the UK, Australia, America and Canada came along to the event with local pipe bands Kilmarnock, Irvine and District and Troon Blackrock entertaining the crowds. Spectators were also entertained at the Solo Piping competition area sponsored by McCallum Bagpipes.

There were 56 stalls around the games park from homemade crafters to basketball, hockey, croquet and Dundonald Curling Club who were fund raising to celebrate their 200th anniversary in 2020.

The children’s Tug O’war was won by the Wee Jimmy’s and the Adult Ladies by Drumroman who defeated the Returning Champions Team. The Gents Team Luke’s Lot were triumphant against Neil’s Knockout. The crowd certainly got very animated in the final pulls.

Chairwoman Louise McCartan said: “I would like to thank everyone for their fantastic support of all the events we’ve had this week, special thanks to our Junior Committee members who have worked their socks off and were always happy to help, we couldn’t have done it without them.

“Dundonald Highland Games is a friendly, community event and we hope everyone enjoyed their day.”