Home Information Past Chieftains    

secretary@durnesshighlandgathering.co.uk

1998 Dr George Sanderson Durness

Dr. George, as he became affectionately known in Durness, died peacefully after an illness at the Highland Hospice on Monday 4 March. He was born in Falkirk in 1929. In 1983 Dr. George Sanderson moved from Northampton to Durness and for 13 years he was the principal general practitioner and family doctor to the village. Very quickly George and his wife Eileen became involved in village activities and made many friends. He retired in 1996 and actively pursued his many interests. He was an energetic man for his 73 years of age up until very recently and his serious illness came as a shock to many. Dr George was a graduate in medicine from Edinburgh University. He served with the RAMC in Malaya and worked for 20 years in Nigeria before returning to practise in Britain. He oversaw the establishment and opening of the Heath Centre in Durness and insisted in working for one year in the centre before retiring. Until then consultations had taken place in the tiny room attached to the Doctor’s house where the doctor was responsible for all the duties of the practice.

He was greatly respected as a doctor and as a person. In his professional capacity he always had time to listen and spend with his patients. He knew everyone as an individual and provided a value of worth in his practice of medicine. He could be called on night or day and had the great gift of a doctor with an understanding of people and a quality bed side manner.

He had numerous interests golfing, cycling, music, dancing, computing, sailing, archery, photography to name a few and he had affection for learning. He had a subtle and clever sense of humour. Over the years he had instigated dancing lessons in the community and at any function his love of dancing would be obvious to all with him first to the floor. He had taught himself to play keyboards and was an active member of the Ceol Clo Mor music group where he taught the younger members how to play. He involved himself in many community activities. In 1998 he was chieftain of the Highland Games and from 1986 to 1996 inclusive he was president of the Games Committee. He was instrumental in ensuring the life and times of the Durness Community over the turn of the century was recorded for posterity.

He was a sociable and hospitable man with an ideal partner in Eileen as a wife. Eileen was the devoted spouse always quietly supportive of his activities. Most of all he was a family man and his grown up children David, Marie Claire and Colin are a credit to Eileen and the memory of George. He was a proud and devoted father and grandfather. Although his children all live away from Durness retirement gave time for George and Eileen to travel and visit their family.

On the 9 March Dr. George was buried at Balnakeil Cemetery. After a service in the Church of Scotland conducted, by the Rev John Mann, friends and family bade farewell to a good man who treasured life and dedicated his own to helping others.

Words cannot express the sympathy to Eileen and the family at their loss but the community convey their deepest condolences and share their grief.

 

Durness Highland Gathering Association

During the holiday season many faces appear and disappear but towards the end of July, familiar groups of folks start to emerge and mingle ready for participation in the most northwesterly mainland Highland Gathering. Durness bustles with a roused anticipation. The topics of conversations nearly always end with concern and prediction about the weather on Games Day. The day was bright and mild with a few light showers and after the recent wet weather made the ground heavy and hard going. Consequently, no records of accomplishment were broken. This year has generally generated disappointment in the numbers of tourists to the area and the attendance to the games reflected a slightly lower number of visitors. This did not dampen the spirits of the competitors, organizers and spectators and the afternoon was declared a resounding success.

The Sutherland Schools Pipe band led the parade from the Village Square to Shore Park where Chairperson Iris Mather introduced the proceedings and called upon this year’s chieftain for the official opening the occasion. The Chairperson and the Chieftain emphasized that the event is only possible because of the hard working band of voluntary assistance. Along with the company of past chieftains and officials welcoming and spending the day socializing and conversing with the visitors and spectators, there is the coordinating committee working behind the scenes and the ground staff preparing the field and officiating events. From the young running errands to the more senior respected citizens nearly the whole population is in some way implicated. Billy Morrison has actively been involved for many years, is the first person to have been Chairman, Chieftain, and is currently President.

Dr. George, as he has become known locally, clarified the sometimes-confusing different titles this occasion is referred to in his opening address. The Durness Highland Gathering or Durness Highland Games? He spoke articulately about the occasion existing for different purposes to different people. An opportunity for family and friends to gather for social participation with fun and competitive events to provide the sport, entertainment and activity. Whatever the name and whatever the motive for attending everyone was invited to join in and not to put of their intention to another year.

Dr. George Sanderson a well respected and admired participant in the Highland Gathering for many years was the worthy choice as 1998 Chieftain. He was a fitting person after retiring two years ago as the Games President. His interests are wide ranging; he has a playful sense of humor and enjoys exploring new technicalities. Electric keyboards, video and computers are the most recent. George is an enthusiastic and skillful dancer and has been responsible for initiating highland dance classes and traditional dancing groups as social occasions. He is the first to the floor at any opportunity when the band starts to play. He is a man held in high regard for the devotion and commitment he revealed while working.

 

George also retired two years ago after a dedicated career in medicine working the last thirteen as the General Practitioner in Durness. Aileen his wife, a qualified and experienced teacher of Geography, also retired, is an active worker for the Red Cross participating in all the church and community events. George and Aileen Sanderson are genuine devotees of the Durness Highland Gathering and deserving people of the privilege. They are settled in Durness for their retirement but regularly visit their three grown up children and four grandchildren. David their eldest is an engineering executive with Chevron in Reading, Marie Claire an English Teacher in Granada in Spain and Colin a Geology graduate working in Information Technology research in Aberdeen. The whole family was in Durness to participate in what George describes as a “very definite honour”.

Throughout the afternoon the band paraded around the field in a display that proudly reflects the Highland tradition of bagpipes playing. This year Duncan Anderson was the only Durness youth playing in the Sutherland Schools Pipe Band, one of the last pupils from Durness perhaps even the North West at Golspie High School where the band is centered to be a piper. Duncan, a popular local lad won four trophies, Keep Fit- best senior male from the parish, Ferguson Cup confined to the county of Sutherland, the Marjory Campbell Shield Open for boys 14-18 and the Barr Cup for overall champion from the Parish of Durness.

All the events kept to schedule and the strength of the Durness men was proven at the Tug-o’-War when the rope snapped in two leaving both teams sitting in the mud!

One afternoon sees the climax of preparation for the best part of a year. As soon as the thank you letters are dispatched to the sponsors and confirmation of winners are sent for official records the next year’s event is started to be planned. The Highland affair, both a gathering and a games came to a close at around 5pm giving everyone an opportunity to prepare for the evening session with a dance to Febus in the village hall.

Durness Highland Gathering Association Results.

Piping

  • Under 15 1. Ross Harvey, Edinburgh. 2. Joanne Shaw, Strathnaver. 3. Mark MacBeth, Helmsdale. 4. Jonathan Simpson, Edinburgh. 5. David Mackay Falconer, Inverness.

  • Under 15 Jig. 1 David Mackay Falconer, Inverness. 2. Joanne Shaw, Strathnaver. 3. Mark MacBeth, Helmsdale. 4. Ross Harvey, Edinburgh.

  • 15 under 18 March. 1. Ross Harvey, Edinburgh. 2. Joanne Shaw, Strathnaver.  3. Ewan Mackay, Tongue.  4. Mark MacBeth, Helmsdale.

  • 15 under 18 Strathspey Reel. 1. Joanne Shaw, Strathnaver. 2. Ross Harvey, Edinburgh. 3. David Mackay Falconer, Inverness. 4. Ewan Mackay, Tongue.

  • Under 18 Piobaireachd. 1. Johan Shaw, Strathnaver.

  • Open Senior Piobaireachd. 1. Michael Grey, Elgin. 2. Neil Matheson, Inverness 3. Lewis Barkley, Inverness 4. Andrew Hall, London.

  • Open Piping Senior March. 1. Neil Matheson, Inverness 2. Lewis Barkley, Inverness. 3. Yvonne Mackenzie, Strathy. 4. Michael Grey, Elgin.

  • Open Piping Senior Strathspey and Reel. 1. Lewis Barkley, Inverness 2. Yvonne Mackenzie, Strathy. 3. Michael Grey, Elgin 4. Calum Mackenzie.

  • Open Piping Senior Jig. 1. Yvonne Mackenzie 2. Carol Anne Mackay, Strathy. 3. James Stewart, Banff. 4. Neil Matheson, Inverness.

Dancing

  • 12 and under Highland Fling. 1. Anne Marie Gilroy, Wick. 2. Lauren McColl, Fortrose.

  • 13 and under Sword Dance. 1. Anne Marie Gilroy, Wick.

  • 13 and under Sean Truibhas.1. Anne Marie Gilroy, Wick.

  • 15 and under Highland Fling 1. Darra Wood, Tain. 2. Cheryl Oliphant, Wick. 3. Alison Vass, Nairn.4. Lucinda Sutherland, Reay.

  • 13-15 Sword Dance. 1 Darra Wood, Tain. 2. Cheryl Oliphant, Wick. 3. Alison Vass, Nairn. 4. Lucinda Sutherland, Reay.

  • 15 and under Sean Truibhas. 1. Darra Wood 2. Alison Vass, Nairn. 3. Cheryl Oliphant, Wick. 4. Lucinda Sutherland, Reay.

  • 16 and over Highland Fling. 1. Isla Woodman, Dundee. 2. Leona Boath, Monifeth. 3. Joanne Mackay, Thurso.

  • 16 and over Sword Dance. 1. Isla Woodman, Dundee. 2. Joanne Mackay, Thurso. 3. Leona Boath, Monifeth.

  • 16 and over Sean Truibhas 1. Isla Woodman, Dundee 2. Leona Boath, Monifeth. 3. Joanne Mackay, Thurso.

  • 13 and under Lilt 1. Anne Marie Gilroy, Wick 2. Laureen McColl Fortrose.

  • 13 and under Hornpipe. 1. Anne Marie Gilroy, Wick 2. Laureen McColl Fortrose.

  • 15 and under Lilt. 1 Darra Wood, Tain 2. Alison Vass, Nairn. 3. Cheryl Oliphant, Wick.

  • 15 and under Jig. 1 Cheryl Oliphant, Wick. 2. Darra Wood, Tain. 3. Alison Vass, Nairn.

  • 16 and over Hornpipe. 1. Isla Woodman, Dundee 2. Leona Boath, Monifeth. 3. . Joanne Mackay, Thurso.

  • 16 and over Jig. 1. Leona Boath, Monifeth. 2. Isla Woodman, Dundee 3. . Joanne Mackay, Thurso.

Heavy Events

  • Putting the Light Shot Open. 1. Murray Gunn  2. Alistair Gunn 3. Alistair Ferguson   4. Ian Mackay.

  • Putting the Light Shot Confined. 1. Hugh Maclellan  2. Duncan Anderson 3. David Mackay  4. James Keith.

  • Putting the Heavy Shot Open. 1. Alistair Gunn 2. Murray Gunn 3. . Alistair Ferguson  4. Leslie Oliphant

  • Throwing the Light Hammer Open. 1. Alistair Gunn 2. Murray Gunn 3. . Alistair Ferguson  4. Ian Mackay.

  • Throwing the Light Hammer Confined. 1 Ian Ross 2. Hugh Maclellan 3. David Mackay  4. Duncan Anderson.

  • Throwing the Heavy Hammer Open. 1. Alistair Gunn 2. Murray Gunn 3. . Alistair Ferguson 4. Leslie Oliphant

  • Trowthing Weight for Distance Open. 1. . Murray Gunn 2. Alistair Gunn 3. Ian Mackay  4. Alistair Ferguson

  • 56lb. Weight for Distance. 1. Alistair Gunn 2. Murray Gunn 3. Ian Mackay 4. . Leslie Oliphant

  • Putting the Shot Boys 12-16. 1. Roddy Mackay 2. Sam Parlane 3. Barry Sutherland.

  • Weight Over bar Open. 1. Alistair Gunn 2. Murray Gunn 3. Ian Mackay 4. . Leslie Oliphant

  • Tossing the Caber Open. 1. Alistair Gunn 2. Murray Gunn 3. . Leslie Oliphant 4. Ian Mackay

Track Field and Novelty Events

  • 100yards Open. 1. Micheal Clasper, Thurso 2. Steven Murray, Invergordon. 3. Richard Mackay, Tongue. 4. James Keith Durness.

  • 100yards Confined. 1.  Richard Mackay, Tongue.2. James Keith Durness. 3. Duncan Anderson Durness.

  • 100yards 16 and over and Ladies 1. Fiona Clasper, Thurso. 2. Kerry Smith, Tain. 3. Jasmine Campbell, Kinlochbervie.

  • 100yards Boys 12 under 16. Napier Munro- Faure, England. 2. Sam Parlane, Stirling. 3. Neil Macrae, Durness.

  • 100yards Girls 12 under 16. 1. Karen Maclellan, Poolewe. 2. Jigi Desair, England. 3. Donna Campbell, Kinlochbervie.

  • 100yards Boys 10 under 12. 1. David Livingston, Musselburgh. 2. Scott Morrison, Inverness. 3. Neil Benzies, Inverness.

  • 100yards Girls 10 under 12. 1. Lisa Duncan, Brora. 2. Mario, France. 3. Nina Fisher, Kinlochbervie.

  • 100yards Boys 8 under 10. Ravrndro, England. 2. Harry Parlane, Stirling. 3. Blair Duncan, Golspie.

  • 100yards Girls 8 under 10. 1. Anna Bowes, Skerray. 2. Fanny, France. 3. Julie Maclellan, Laid.

  • 50yards Boys 5-8. 1. David Mackay, Ullapool. 2. Robert Macleod, Inverness. 3. Andrew Mackay, Inverness.

  • 50yards Girls 5-8. 1. Nicola Morrison, Durness. 2. Ashley Milne, Durness. 3. Fern Flemming, Fife.

  • Toddlers Race under 5. 1. Tom Sanderson, England. 2. Garry Morrison, Durness. 3. Claire Taylor, Hampshire.

  • Hop Step and Leap Open. 1. Micheal Clasper, Thurso. 2. Malcolm Macleod, Invergordon. 3.Steven Murray, Invergordon. 4. Napier Munro-Faure, England.

  • Pillow Fight Under 12. 1. Angela Ure, Durness. 2.Matthew Billinge, Cheshire. 3.Michael Maclellan, Laid. 4. Etienne Le Saulnier, France. 5. Lisa Duncan, Brora.

  • Pillow Fight 12 under 16. 1. Napier Munro-Faure, England. 2. Charlie Whyte, Berwick. 3. Ben Edwards, Hope. 4. Karen Maclellan, Poolewe.

  • Pillow Fight over 16. 1.Alexander Munro, Kinlochbervie. 2. Catherine Bleasdale, England. 3. Phil Haliday, Newcastle. 4. Allan Walker, Essex. 5. Maxime Taillicz, France.

  • Egg and Spoon Girls 5 under 8. 1. Nicola Morrison, Durness. 2. Fern Flemming, Fife. 3. Lauren Benzies, Inverness.

  • Egg and Spoon Boys 5 under 8. 1. Andrew Mackay, Inverness. 2. Arran Bonnes, Gateshead. 3. Alastair Morrison, Durness.

  • Egg and Spoon Girls 8-10. 1. Sarah Mackay, Fort-William. 2. Amelia Munro-Faure, England. 3. Eilidh Mackay, Inverness.

  • Egg and Spoon Boys 8-10. 1. Donald Macleod, Inverness. 2. Jamie Nicholas, Inverness. 3. Liam Mackay, Durness.

  • Egg and Spoon Girls 10-12. Lisa Duncan, Brora. 2. Catrina Veitch, Durness. 3. Alison, England.

  • Egg and Spoon Boys 10-12. 1. Paul Macllelan, Inverness. 2. David Livingston, Mussleburgh. 3. Neil Benzies, Inverness.

  • Egg and Spoon Girls 12-16. 1. Lindsey Morrison, Inverness. 2. Denise Macdonald, Hope. 3. Jigi Desair, England.

  • Egg and Spoon Boys 12-16. 1. Ben Edwards, Hope. 2. Kennith Patterson, Dumfermline. Ally Brooks, England.

  • Egg and Spoon Girls and Ladies. 1. Kerry Smith, Tain. 2. Philippa Hayday-Brown, England. 3. Rebecca Ridgway, Ardmore..

High Jump

  • Open. 1. Malcolm MacLeod, Invergordon. 2. Nathen Newsom, Halifax. 3. David Mackay, Scourie. 4. Ruan Scott, Edinburgh.

  • Boys 12 under 16. 1. Hugh Jassimine, USA. Sam Parlane, Stirling. 3. Kevin Fulton, Kinlochbervie.

  • Ladies. 1. Kerry Smith, Tain. 2. Fiona Clasper, Thurso. 3. Trish Mackay,

 

  • 220 yards Open. 1. Micheal Clasper, Thurso. 2. Steven Murray, Invergordon. 3. Duncan Anderson, Durness. 4. Simon Fuller, Edinburgh.

  • 220 yards Confined. 1. Duncan Anderson, Durness. 2. Richard Mackay, Tongue.

  • 220 yards Girls and ladies. 1. Fiona Clasper, Thurso. 2. Kerry Smith, Tain. 3 Rebeca Ridgeway, Ardmore.

  • 220 yards Boys 12-16. 1. Sam Parlane, Stirling 2.Alexander Munro, Kinlochbervie. 3. Neil Macrae, Durness.

  • 220 yards Girls 12- 16. 1. Shona Irvine, Ulapool. 2. Karren Maclellan, Poolewe. 3. Jigi Desair, England.

  • 220 yards Boys 8-12. Scott Morrison, Inverness. 2. Paul Maclellan, Inverness. 3. Michael Maclellan, Durness.

  • 220 yards Girls 8-12. Lisa Duncan, Brora. 2. Nina Fisher, Kinlochbervie. 3. Fiona Vass, Nairn.

  • Long Jump  Open. 1. Michael Clasper, Thurso 2. Steven Murray, Invergordon. 3. Malcolm MacLeod, Invergordon.. 4. Nathen Newsom, Halifax.

  • Chucking the Wellie. Girls 12 under 16. 1. Karen Maclellan, Poolewe. 2. Denise Macdonald, Hope. 3. Jigi Desair, England.

  • Chucking the Wellie Ladies. 1. Fiona Clasper, Thurso. 2. Jasmine Campbell, Kinlochbervie. 3. Sally Edwards, Hope. 4. . Karen Maclellan, Poolewe  5. Sarah Anderson, Inverness.

  • Sack Race Girls 5-8. 1. Nicola Morrison, Durness. 2. Chelsea Ross, Kinlochbervie. 3. Sarah Ann Burns, England.

  • Sack Race Boys 5-8. 1. Andrew Mackay, Inverness. 2. Robert Maclellan, Inverness. 3. Mathew Taylor, England.

  • Sack Race Girls 8-10. 1. Amelia Munro-Foure, England. 2. Fanny, France. 3. Alison, England.

  • Sack Race Boys 8-10. Etienne, France. 2. Harry Parlane, Stirling. 3. Ravindra Desair, England.

  • Sack Race Girls 10-12. 1. Mario, France. 2. Lisa Duncan, Brora. 3. Liz, France.

  • Sack Race Boys 10-12. 1. Scott Morrison, Inverness. 2. Neil Benzies, Inverness. 3. Micheal Maclellan, Laid.

  • Sack Race Girls 12-16. 1. Jigi Desair, England. 2. Lindsay Morrison, Inverness. 3. Donna Campbell, Kinlochbervie.

  • Sack Race Boys 12-16. 1. Napier Munro-Foure, England. 2. Sam Parlane, Stirling. 3. Ally Brookes, England.

  • Sack Race Ladies. 1. Fiona Clasper, Thurso. 2. Sarah Kish, Kinlochbervie. 3.Jasmine Campbell, Kinlochbervie.

  • 440 yards Open. 1. Areon, Holland. 2. Duncan Anderson, Durness. 3. Simon Fullar, Edinburgh. 4. Richard Mackay, Tongue.

  • Long Jump Boys 12 under 16. 1. Ben Edwards, Hope. 2. Neil Macrae, Durness. 3. Ally Brooks, Devon. 4. Keneth Patterson, Dumfermline.

  • Long Jump Ladies. 1. Fiona Clasper, Thurso. 2. Trish Mackay, Kinlochbervie. 3. Jasmine Campbell, Kinlochbervie.

  • Long Jump Girls 12 under 16. 1. Jigi Desair, England. 2. Shona Irvine. 3. Cheryl Oliphant, Wick.

  • Hill Race Open. 1. Steve Brown, Newcastle. 2. Alexander Munro. 3. Phil Robinson, Cumbria. Ruan Scott, Edinburgh.

  • Hill Race Ladies. 1. Helen Robinson, Cumbria. 2. Rebecca Ridgeway, Ardmore.

  • Hill Race Boys under 16. 1. Alexander Munro, Kinlochbervie. 2. Ali Brooks, Devon. 3. Josh Brand, Canada. 4. Andrew Fraser, Golspie.

  • Hill Race Over 35. 1. Phil Robinson, Cumbria. 2. Hanno Nickau, Germany. 3. Mark Waterston, Kinlochbervie. 4. Tom Riding, England.

  • Tug-o-War Men. 1. Norwest, Durness. 2=. Spice Girls, Mixed. 2=. Kinlochbervie OH OH, Mixed.

  • Tug-o-War Ladies. 1. The Herbs. 2. Dynamic Durneishans.

  • Tilt the Bucket under 16. 1. Lindsey Morrison and Neil Benzies, Inverness. 2. Martin Vass (Nairn) and Gary Duncan (Brora).

  • Tilt the Bucket over 16. 1. Paul Mackay (Durness) and David Mackay (Scourie). 2. Steven Mackinnon and Malcolm Morrison, Durness.

 1998 Prize Winners.

  • Robert Morrison Memorial Trophy for Junior Piping under 15 years. Ross Harvey, Edinburgh.

  • Robert Morrison Memorial Trophy for Junior Piping 15 under 18 years. Joanne Shaw, Syre Estate, Strathnaver.

  • J&J Mather Memorial Sheild for Junior piping confined to north west Sutherland. Joanne Shaw, Syre Estate, Strathnaver.

  • Hugh Mackay Cup under 18 Junior Piping confined to county of Sutherland. Joanne Shaw, Syre Estate, Strathnaver.

  • Lewis Cup for Professional Pipers. Yvonne Mackenzie Bonnar Bridge, and Lewis Barclay, Cameron Barracks, Inverness.

  • Andrew Mackay Gunn Memorial Trophy for Pibroch. Michael Gray, Pipes and Drums, Milton Bridge Camp, Edinburgh.

  • Bank of Scotland Trophy for most promising piper confined to County of Sutherland. Joanne Shaw, Syre Estate, Strathnaver.

  • Dewar Trophy for 12 years and under. Anne Marie Gilroy, Wick.

  • Sandeman Cup for 13 –15 years. Darra Wood, Tain.

  • Julia Mackenzie Trophy 12 years and under confined to Sutherland and Ross-shire. Lauren McColl, Fortrose.

  • Caberfeidh Cup for 16 years and over. Isla Woodman, Dundee.

  • Cape Wrath Hotel Cup for open track events. Michael Clasper, Thurso.

  • Rispond Trophy for open heavy events. Alistair Gunn, Halkirk.

  • McCoubrey Trophy for heavy events confined. Hugh Maclellan, Laid.

  • Keep Fit Trophy for the best male athlete from Durness Parish. Duncan Anderson, Durness.

  • Keep Fit Trophy for the best female athlete from Durness Parish. Jasmine Campbell, Kinlochbervie.

  • Marjory Campbell Sheild for Boys/Girls 16-18 years open. Duncan Anderson, Durness.

  • Fergusson Cup for Boys 16-18 confined to County of Sutherland. Duncan Anderson, Durness.

  • Kinloch Sheild for Girls 12-16 confined to Sutherland. Denise MacDonald, Hope

  • Burton Cup for boys12-16 confined to Sutherland. Ben Edwards, Hope.

  • Anne, Dutches of Westminster Cup under 12 girls from Durness Parish. Nicola Morrison, Durness.

  • Montgomery Cup under 12 years boys from Durness Parish. Michael Maclellan, Laid.

  • Haig Tankard for hill race. Steve Brown, Newcastle.

  • Ridgway Trophy for hill race 35 years and over. Phyl Robinson, Cumbria England.

  • Marie Christine Ridgway Trophy for Ladies Hill Race. Helen Robinson, Cumbria England.

  • Durness Youth Club Trophy for Hill race boys under 18. Alexander Munro, Kinlochbervie.

  • Barr Cup for overall champion from Durness Parish. Duncan Anderson, Durness.

  • Carrie Cup for Senior champions in open athletics. Alistair Gunn, Halkirk.