My friend Alex Rochead showed me this photo, kindly sent to him from Sandy Wilkie. It is of course a poster for the much remembered, Blantyre Highland Games. A great little piece of Blantyre nostalgia. Sandy was of course directly and primarily involved in the Highland Games, which took place for the first time in 1987 at his property at Bardykes.
Sandy commented, “We had the print updated every year of the Games to include different attractions as they changed over the period. As a fundraiser, we always got the Chieftan and the main celebrities to sign the print then sold them to the public and Tablers to add to the funds.
The original that very first year, I bought from the painter, Harry Rankine, who used to own Weavers Gallery on Hunthill Rd. They were done in pen&ink in Black then re printed at a very much reduced price for us by John Reid the printer. When Harry got the prints from John, he then washed them over individually with different colours to make them more attractive to sell. They were all numbered as Limited Edition Prints.”
Featuring Blantyre Project Social Media with permission. Strictly not for use by others on or offline, our visitors said,
Julia Davidson I remember this! All my dads own work 
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Karen Baxter Sandra Bruce & Alex Bruce
The men left the dance to go to the west End bar to watch Barry McGuigan fight Eusebio Pedroza for the world flyweight title. While we were away the raffle was drawn and my £1 note was drawn with my name on it. The prize – £100, a fortune then.
Kate, who was 8 months pregnant with our fourth child went up to pick up the prize and was asked for proof of identity. She simply pointed to her very large bump and was paid out immediately.So we had a great night. But that was 85 so was the first Highland games not earlier than 87? Barry McGuigan won the fight by the way.
John Whitelaw I was at a BHG believe it or not Andy. With my mate from EK and his girlfriend also EK and her pal from Blantyre ( sadly now deceased). I started a long term relationship in 1988 so I’d say the games I was at were any one of 85, 86, or 87. My recollection is that it was near where Tom Shearer now stays in Callaghan Wynd!! 
😲
Andy Callaghan Damn, Moyra, I’d have bought you and Don a drink off my winnings.
Lesley Bethel They were fantastic!! Remember seeing Hercules the bear, I think in 1986. Pauline Weidner I remember going to this
😃Karen Baxter Sure was!….. and we have the original not a copy 
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😁Sandy Wilkie Prior to the Games in ‘87 and into the late ‘90’s there were the Bardykes Horse Shows and the Donkey Derby plus the BBQ and dance in the evening.
Lizann Cunning Dingwall I remember going there with you Fiona Mitchell Gebbie lovely times 