Chieftain announced for 2025
fiona sutherland
After 40 years of dedicated service as Secretary of The Helmsdale Highland Games, Fiona Sutherland has been selected as the Chieftain for 2025.
Fiona was born at the Pope Community Maternity Hospital in Helmsdale. She was brought up in Dornoch , attending Dornoch Primary School, then 1st and 2nd senior years at Dornoch Academy before being transferred to Golspie High School for 4 years.
Fiona and her sister Eileen had a carefree and happy upbringing in Dornoch, happiest memories are of sunny days at the beach, or on the golf course with friends or their parents.
In the early 70’s, Fiona was girls golf champion in the junior section of Royal Dornoch Golf Club . She also played 1st Eleven hockey in her senior years at Golspie High School.
On leaving school Fiona went to Edinburgh to study at The Astley Ainslie School of Occupational Therapy. Fiona has 36 years of service within NHS Highland working both within hospital rehab services and Social Services. The final 16 years of her career prior to retiring in 2017, was spent working with NHS Highland Children’s Occupational Therapy Services.
Fiona is married to Andy ‘Torrish’ Sutherland, Honorary President of the Helmsdale Highland Games. They have 2 children, Yvonne and Euan, and 4 grandchildren. Yvonne is married to Graham with 2 boys Aaron and Rian , and Euan is married to Claire with 2 girls Skye and Caitlyn.
Yvonne owns Glencoast the local outdoor and tackle shop in the village.
Euan is a Safety Project Manager for SSE Transmission within their Offshore Delivery Directorate.
As well as being Games secretary Fiona became secretary of the Bunillidh Rowing Club when it was established in 2011. A community club which has taken members around many coastal villages in Scotland and to the “Skiffie” Rowing World Championships in Ullapool, Strangford Lough in Ireland , and Stranraer, making many new friendships over the years, and winning a few medals .
In her retirement Fiona enjoys keeping active, walking and rowing, and keeping up with friends. she enjoys the garden and various crafting projects, also helping Yvonne in Glencoast as her “ Saturday girl” .
Andy and Fiona are well known faces on the Games Park , both have worked tirelessly over the past 40 plus years to promote the Highland Games to the success it is today.
standard bearers for 2025
lawlyn grant
Lawlyn Grant is the eldest son of Martin and Roanna Grant. He enjoys playing rugby for Ross Sutherland and works part-time at Thyme and Plaice. This summer, he’ll be working on the Helmsdale River before moving to Glasgow in September to begin a degree in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde. Lawlyn is honoured to be a standard bearer at this year’s Helmsdale Highland Games.
danielle cowie
Danielle Cowie is the eldest daughter of Malcolm and Caroline Cowie. She attended Helmsdale Primary and Golspie High School. She is leaving school this year to study Children’s Nursing in University. She loves football, supporting Helmsdale United and Celtic FC and playing for the school team. Danielle is delighted to be chosen as Standard Bearer for the 2025 Helmsdale Highland Games
flower girl for 2025
lucy macnicol
Lucy lives in Helmsdale with her parents Ryan and Katie, along with her brother Archie. Lucy is 5 and attends Helmsdale Primary School. She is a very kind and caring young girl who loves a giggle, and is always willing to lend a helping hand, especially to her Dad in the kitchen. She takes any opportunity to dress up in her best attire accompanied with lots of accessories, and loves the outdoors.
Lucy especially enjoys camping with her family and exploring new destinations, and has recently taken part in the Mayday mile with her mum. She is very excited to have been picked to be this year’s flower girl. Her Grandad and Dad have always played a part in the Highland Games, especially for the hill race and are very proud that Lucy will also be playing her part in supporting the Highland Games this year.