The Convener of the Cairngorms National Par Authority has been invited to be this year’s Chieftain at the Abernethy Highland Games at Nethybridge.

Andrew Thin will do the honours at the Games this weekend (Saturday 14 August) where he will be asked to officially open the event.  However, he will be dropping his kilt – quite literally – at 2.30 pm to take part in the event’s ten-mile road race!

Speaking ahead of the event Mr Thin said: “I am very aware of the fact that Abernethy Highland Games is a real community occasion so it’s a real honour for me to be asked to be Chieftain, although I am indeed more used to wearing running shorts at such events!

“One of the more important aspects of the Scottish Parliament’s National Parks legislation is the emphasis on the conservation of our cultural heritage and maintaining vibrant communities in our National Parks.  Highland Games events illustrate that cultural traditions are still very much alive in the Cairngorms National Park and the Nethy Games in particular is an excellent manifestation of this.”