Our Chairman for Bute Highland Games 2025 is community stalwart Billy Shields. Billy has held various roles in the local community over the years, from Mount Stuart's Isle of Bute Countryside Ranger whilst also being a Special Constable based at Rothesay Police Station, Billy is also Chairman of the Bute Conservation Trust as well as being a member of a number of other community organisations.
Billy took over as Chairman from Duncan McAlister at the AGM in December 2024, following his position as Duncan's vice-chairman.
I was honoured when our past Chairman, Duncan McAlister asked me to be his Vice Chairman back in 2023. Now as Chairman of the Bute Highland Games I am very much looking forward to welcoming all to this year's traditional games on the 23rd August.
Such a major event for our Island takes a tremendous amount of work as well as money to stage it. All done without any grant aid, despite the financial benefit that is brought to the island during Games weekend.
We are though extremely grateful for the sponsorship we receive from local businesses, our advertisers in the programme and of course the locals and visitors who give their support by buying tickets to come to the park and those who pay for patronage. This year, once again we have held our standard entry fees to the park, despite our rising costs, we know family budgets are being squeezed.
None of the event could happen without the incredible support from our band of volunteers who give freely of their time and expertise to ensure that all aspects of the games are taken care of, many of whom have been doing so for decades and I am very grateful for their wealth of experience and support. I also couldn't do my job as Chairman without all of the effort put in by our Secretary, Tony Prosser and Assistant Secretary, Sheena Macfie. Their workload is huge.
We are delighted that the Hebridean Baker, Coinneach MacLeod an International best-selling author has agreed to be our Chieftain this year. Coinneach was at the games in 2023 and I know our visitors will be so pleased to see him back.
I do hope you will be at the park on Saturday the 23rd of August and have a great day out. We will be doing all we can to make sure you do and you will receive a very warm welcome.
Billy Shields
Chairman - Bute Highland Games