A LIFELONG Dundonald resident has been handed the honour of being chieftain of this year's Highland Games in the village.

William Miller - known to all as Wullie - will have the ceremonial role for the event at Dundonald Castle this summer.

It's a fitting honour for someone who has been involved in the organising of the event since its early years.

Boys' Brigade officer Wullie is a Dundonald boy through and through and has lived in the village all his life.

He attended Dundonald Primary School, and then moved on to Marr College.

After leaving school, Wullie began his working life as an apprentice joiner, but quickly moved into farming work, remaining in agriculture for 24 years.

He then spent a short spell working at the Masonic Lodge in Troon, before finishing his working career in the Morrisons supermarket in Troon, which he also loved.

This year's Dundonald Highland Games will take place on Saturday, August 5 - the culmination of a busy programme of 'Games Week' events in the village.

A spokesman for the event's organisers, the Dundonald Games Society, said: "Wullie is well known wherever he goes, but no more so than in his beloved Dundonald.

"A big character within the village, he enjoys the craic in the bowling club, and loves to play bowls whenever he can.

"Wullie has enjoyed being involved with Dundonald Highland Games since its very early days.

"Whether he was directing traffic, selling programmes, organizing football competitions or working in the stalls, Wullie was always happy to help."

Wullie may, however, be best known for his dedicated service as an officer with 1st Dundonald Boys’ Brigade.

Wullie offered to help the officers one evening and 32 years later he still leads the Junior Section as its 'officer in charge'.

He loves all aspects of the 'BB', but particularly enjoys his time playing badminton and taking part in competitions, camps and outings.

It means a great deal to Wullie when former members of the company still stop and speak to him whenever they meet.

The spokesperson added: "Always the person who works hard behind the scenes, Wullie was a little stunned when he was asked to be chieftain for 2023, and we are pleased that he accepted.

"He did mention that he had a Boys’ Brigade Stall to run on Games day, but we are sure the officers will rise to the challenge."

Dundonald Games' chairperson John Bryson said: “We are delighted to have Wullie as our chieftain for 2023.

"He has done, and continues to do, so much for the village, and we know he will be a fantastic chieftain.

"We have many different events planned for this year’s Games Week, which will be fun for all the family."

Dundonald Games Week starts on Sunday, July 30 this year with a family fun day at Dundonald Castle.

They then have a variety of events during the week including a car treasure hunt, 10km road race, kids’ fun run, pet show and seven-a-side football competition.

The Games themselves start with a street procession at 12 noon on August 5.

Entry is free to the event and there is a free park and ride available all day at the nearby Olympic Business Park.

For more information visit www.dundonald-games.org.uk or the 'Dundonald Games' page on Facebook.

 

facebook - @Dundonald_Games.