25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Lesmahagow Highland Games crowned Tartan Queen Jade Stewart
The annual event attracted huge crowds at the weekend.
The sun shone, for most of the day at least, on Glebe Park for the annual Lesmahagow Highland Games.
Chieftain John Goulding, the chairman of Lesmahagow Community Football Club, crowned Tartan Queen Jade Stewart.
And the crowds enjoyed some stunning floats, with Scotland the Brave by Clan McAra taking top spot and Wicked Minecraft from Milton Primary School being named runners-up.
David Abercrombie, chairman of Lesmahagow Highland Games, said: 'Lesmahagow Highland Games committee would like to say a big thanks to all who attended our 63rd Games on Saturday, and particularly our sponsors, donators and supporters.
'Of course, we had bright sunshine throughout the whole day as usual, but for two short but nonetheless heavy showers – just to cool us down a bit! Thanks also to all our 'Friends of the Games' who help every year with many of the small but vitally important tasks, and to the South Lanarkshire Council staff for help setting up and clearing the park.
'Once again my fellow committee members surpassed themselves with the number, variety and quality of events going on. I can confidently say that there would not have been a better event to attend on Saturday – anywhere in Scotland!
'Our games day is completely free to watch, starts with the morning Chieftain's Procession down the main street, followed by the Crowning event at mid-day. The afternoon line-up this year included five pipe bands, heavyweight contests for both ladies and gents, junior athletics, Highland dancing, back-hold wrestling championships, street dancing, pom, cheer and tap dancing, inflatables fun, market street stalls, crazy golf and even a dog show this year.'
And he added: 'Our Chieftain this year was John Goulding, chairman of Lesmahagow Community Football Club. Tartan Queen Jade Stewart's Court consisted of Princesses Ellie McKenzie and Elena Gladstone along with Clansmen Charlie Grieve and Alexander Tulloch. All played their parts marvellously!
'Lesmahagow now has the only remaining Highland games event in the whole of Lanarkshire, with all the others having ceased operations. We have a very small committee of eight dedicated volunteers, but really need more help going forward.'
Mark the date in your diary for next year – Saturday, June 20.
With thanks to games photographers Johnny Weir and Kenny Gilmour.