Some of the best pipers in the world paraded through the streets of Oban yesterday on their way to the town’s annual games.
The traditional march to the games field was led by John Angus Smith, winner of the Highland Society of London’s Gold Medal, one of the most coveted prizes in piping.
Mr Smith is from London, but has strong family connections with the isle of Skye.
Despite sporadic heavy showers throughout the day, the games, organised by the Argyllshire Gathering committee, were reasonably well attended.
Athletics competitions, Highland dancers, pipers and the heavies including tossing the caber kept the crowd entertained.
President of the games, the Duke of Argyll, said: “This annual event was originally set up as an opportunity for the families of Argyll to get together.
“Since the 19th century, it has continued to serve as a social occasion both for those who live here and for those whose roots lie in the area, many of whom make a point of returning every year. Today we welcome visitors from all around the world, who have come to compete, to watch, to listen and to meet each other.”
The Argyllshire Gathering started in 1871 as a way of bringing the clans and families of the hugely spread out county of Argyll together.
This year the gathering committee has completed a refurbishment of the Argyllshire Gathering Hall in Breadalbane Street, Oban, where it holds its annual summer ball following Oban Games.
The hall is well used by community groups and for special occasions such as weddings.
Members of the gathering have raised £200,000 to renovate the hall, which has included the replacement of the roof and electrical fittings and the redecoration of the interior.
Hall steward Robin Nicholson said: “We now think the hall is good for another 100 years. The main use is to provide a function area for the local community.
“It is a unique and historical building, that is why we as a group thought it was very important to keep it going.”