Although the sun managed only the occasional appearance during the day, the 166th Games were nonetheless acclaimed universally as a huge success. The Park was looking at its best and was in great condition for the athletes and cyclists. The new Dancing Board and Cover were received well by the 145 international Dancers who performed upon it. The inaugural Female Heavyweight Competition attracted competitors from both sides of the Border as, of course, did the Hill Race which also had the addition of a runner from Hungary. The Junior Heavies turned out in good numbers and the Open competition was attended by a large field which included the about to be Scottish, British and World Champion. The caber, though, still proved to be the winner on the day.

The crowd was very healthy and they enjoyed some 7 hours of enterainment in and around the arena. There were some moments of poignancy too when, at the Opening Ceremony, we remembered those who had left us since the 2023 Games, especially Pipe Major Alec Brown and local athlete William Bates, whose wife, Lisa and sons, Sean and Ben, were on hand to present the Trophy named in William's memory to Paul Dumma of Kelso. There was a hushed silence as the Alloa Bowmar Pipe Band, augmented by pipers from Tulliallan, played the lament.

Sixty five runners were sent on their way in the Senior Hill Race by Hill Race legend Tommy Sedgwick and some 20 minutes later we witnessed one of the most dramatic finishes in recent memory when Sam Tosh - who was some way behind the leader as they came back into the arena - took the lead with under 50 yards to go. The crowd were on their feet by this time. 

We are grateful to all who made this day such a special one. There are images on the Gallery section and footage on Youtube and our Facebook page. The 167th Games are on July 12th next year and we hope to see you all there.