US challenger for top haggis eater

Aug 29 2008 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

THE 125th gathering of the Birnam Highland Games takes place at the New Games Park in Dunkeld tomorrow, with the gates opening at 11am.

Incredibly, since the Games were inaugurated in 1864, there have only been six Chieftains and the role is again being handled by Robert Steuart-Fothringham of Fothringham, whose family have had the honour since 1891.

Among the events catching the eye of spectators will be the World Haggis Eating Championship.

The Games have moved on apace since Victorian days and this bizarre challenge is among a series of events attracting more and more interest worldwide.

The hungry hearts taking part this year will include Wullie Robertson, the local sawmiller with a voracious appetite who was hailed the first world champion.

The main overseas competition will come from Todd Kamena who is attempting to win the title at his third attempt.

Todd, the son of the mayor of Livermore near San Francisco, is a fervent supporter of the Games and one of the key innovators in arranging the historic twinning between Birnam Highland Games and Livermore Scottish Highland Games.

Chairman Rae Pattillo, who attended Livermore’s Games in May, will be welcoming Maryalice Faltings, his US counterpart, to Birnam and she will be presenting the Livermore Shield to the competitor, who, in the opinion of the judges gives the most outstanding performance of the day.

The Mad Kiltie Dash is a popular race open to spectators and competitors alike who are wearing kilts and able to race for 50 metres.

Dancers from all over the country will compete in almost 30 traditional events, including the Highland Fling, Hullachan and Irish Jigs.

The Scottish 800 metres championship is one of the most prestigious races on the Highland Games circuit and is the main event on the athletics track with prize money of £200 at stake.

There will be fun races for children as well as a vast array of stalls and promotions from local and national organisations and businesses.

Hiscoe’s Fun Fair has been attending Birnam Games for three generations and will once again be bringing their full up to date attractions including the DROPZONE where intrepid fun seekers are hoisted 17 metres in the air before a freefall back to earth.