The 40th Ardrossan Highland Games did the town proud, with a record number of entries and visitors coming from near and far.

An estimated 5,000 people turned out on Sunday, June 9 to enjoy the competitive events and the vast array of entertainments for all the family.

Troon Blackrock Pipe Band led the parade to Memorial Playing Field, where this year’s Chieftain, Reverend Jim Smith MBE, officially declared the 2019 games open.

Alastair Arnott, Ardrossan Highland Games chairman, said: “It was probably a record day right across the board as far as events go. It was a fantastic day. In terms of entries it was a record breaker from the piping to the dancing to the heavy events.

“The fact that the community came out in their droves was fantastic. It was also really good to see the young coming and participating.

“People have put a lot of work into the games over the years. I think it’s a great community event and it has evolved from its beginnings but stays true to its traditional roots.

“Who would have thought that 40 years ago we would have things like Facebook and that people would be uploading photos on social media throughout the day? We can now see not just our own photos but those of other people. People are coming along and checking themselves in [online] and tagging themselves and us.

“It’s very much a modern event but is still a traditional Highland games at heart.”

JUVENILE SOLO PIPING RESULTS

Morning – 13 years and under March: 1 Ewan Allen, 2 Fraser Hamilton, 3 James Simpson, 4 Christopher McCarton. 15 years and under MSR: 1 Gregor Grierson, 2 Bobby Allen, 3 Ewan Allen, 4 Nicholas Knowles, first place in March Nicholas Knowles. 15 years and under Piobroch: 1 James Simpson, 2 Mark Morrison, 3 Ewan Allen, 4 Murray O’ May.

Afternoon – 18 years and under MSR: 1 Hazel Whyte, 2 Bobby Allen, 3 Thomas Young, 4 Murray O’ May, highest placed Ayrshire piper Callum Norrington. 18 years and under Jig: 1 Bobby Allen, 2 Hazel Whyte, 3 Ian Hamilton, 4 Gregor Grierson, overall winner MSR and Jig Hazel Whyte. 18 years and under Piobroch: 1 Bobby Allen, 2 Gregor Grierson, 3 Hazel Whyte, 4 Thomas Young.

Judges: P Hunt and R McShannon.