A LOCAL dad and businessman has been unveiled as this years Chieftain for Cumnock’s Highland Games.

Stewart Birrell is taking on the iconic role and can’t wait to make it a great day for the community.

He said:”I was born in Cumnock and have always lived here, and no doubt many people will have seen me at the Highland Games in the past flipping burgers for Cumnock Rugby Club on their fundraising stall.

“I work at Donsport in Cumnock and I am the treasurer for Cumnock RugbyYouth Section.

"I am also on the Board of Directors for Yipworld and a member of the Cumnock Business Association.

“I’m proud to be asked to be this year’s Chieftain and I’m looking forward to what is always a great day.”

Residents can expect exciting new ideas, such as a 10k road race finishing in the park, being explored to make the games more interesting for spectators and more inclusive with local groups becoming involved.

After a year’s absence in 2017, the Cumnock Highland Games returned in August last year with a new organising committee and a new home in Woodroad Park.

Hundreds of people came along to enjoy the return of the event, many of whom commented on how happy they were that the Games were back and how Woodroad Park lent itself so brilliantly to the spectacle and excitement of a traditional Highland Games.

In returning Cumnock Highland Games to the local event calendar last August, the organising committee decided that entry would be free as an incentive to bring people along to the event, especially as it had been missed the previous year.

Voluntary contributions were invited and this approach was so successful that it is being considered again for this year.

The organising committee is delighted with the way the event was so well received and it is confident that it can build on last years’ Games to make this year’s even bigger and better that they have ever been.

A date for this year’s Cumnock Highland Games which was announced earlier has had to be changed due to circumstances outwith the control of the organising committee.

The new date is August 25.

Organisers look forward to seeing everyone once again at Woodroad Park