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Last tuesday I boarded Cal/ Mac's second in line boat the " Clansman " at Tiree, and headed for Oban with a certain purpose to see an event I hadn't seen since I as a boy. The Argyllshire Gathering or the Oban Games, take place every year in August, and I believe it is the second last of he west highland games.

Oban is the nearest mainland connection to a large part of the hebrides and the gem of the west for all sail there for the world at large, or who just want to stay put.

Games day is thursday, but high enteries in some of the piping events required competitions to be held on wedensday. Although I am not a piper I have a peculiar interest in the music of the bagpipes. And this day I was assailed with very special efforts at the intiracte note combinations of the "Piobrachd" and then the toe tapping March, Strathspeys and Reels. At a time like this ones personal conclusions compared to that of the judges is an interisting comparison.

Thursday, although a bit dull in the morning, turned out bright and sunny before the crowds took to road to the game's park. A great feeling of expectation prevailed on arriving at the grounds where the contestants would show their prowess in the various events.

Round the borders of the field there were attractions of another kind: tents that took advantage of numerous people present to sell all sorts and various requirements entizeingly displayed. On this day too the police meet the public without stress or need to be vigilent. The mounted police were a special attraction with heir beautiful well groomed horses. The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders had a space of their own along with their heart touching mascot "Cruachan" a small black shetland pony, a real pied piper as far as the childern were concerned.

The games field, though, was supreme; first with dancers and the different runners who faced the day with extraordinery determination to vocal encouagement from an apprciative crowd.

There was of course more piping. Pipes sending their attractive skirll and hum to all corners and beyond the fenced area while the tannoy with its intimations blared loudly.

I would say that the heavy events are the highlight of any games event. Men whom I would say are beyond the odinary man in the street as far as power is concerned, shot putting; trowing hammers; tosing the caber and finally, the tug o war. These are the events that get voluabe cheers and gasps of amazement as the kilted giants vie with each other with feats of streangth to break former records.

Every summer the Highland Games attract us in a very special way and strangely enough, we all, just like the weather, play a part in making each event a success.

My trip to Oban proved to be stunningly enjoyable; a host of winter nights will give me plenty time on reflect on a good way that the best traits in our charachter can be diplayed for whoever to enjoy.