Highland
Games Eclipsed By Hollywood Star Spectators
The
organiser of the highland games of which Billy
Connolly is laird has complained that a line-up
of Hollywood guests is leaving the real stars
of the games, the competitors, in the shade.
The Lonach Gathering at Strathdon, Aberdeenshire,
used to be a low-key affair with attention focused
on the kilted marchers and contestants. But all
that changed after Connolly bought neighbouring
Candacraig House four years ago.
As the local laird, the one-time shipyard welder
immersed himself in the traditions of the games
and began inviting his Hollywood friends to join
him.
At the 160th gathering last weekend, guests included
comedian Eric Idle, actor Ewan McGregor and Hollywood
stars Steve Buscemi, Aidan Quinn and Robin Williams.
For many of the 12,000 visitors to the games,
the film stars were the main attraction.
Organiser John Barbour said: "There’s nothing
wrong with these people coming to the games. Everybody’s
welcome. But it is the public who are causing
the trouble. They are gaping at the celebrities
as if they have never seen them before. It seems
that all anybody’s interested in are the
stars. They are not worried about the people taking
part."
However, Mr Barbour stressed he did not want to
alienate anyone from attending the event: "I am
very happy to have the celebrities here. They
are good for the games and good for the crowds.
Last weekend, we had big crowds."
Connolly bought the £500,000 mansion and estate
after falling in love with the area while filming
Mrs Brown.
He has since become a popular fixture in the area
and was recently made an honorary member of the
Lonach Highland Society in recognition of his
services to the area.
It is rare an outsider is given the honour, which
allows Connolly to march with the men as they
make their way to the gathering .
He declined the opportunity this year and stayed
at home to entertain his guests, but welcomed
the men with a dram at his doorstep at the end
of their six-mile trek.
Connolly has further endeared himself to the locals
by donating the proceeds of a concert in Aberdeen
towards the repair of the village hall roof.
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The
organiser of the highland games of which Billy
Connolly is laird has complained that a line-up
of Hollywood guests is leaving the real stars
of the games, the competitors, in the shade. 