11th Nov 2019
Willie Johnston accepts invitation to open the 164th Games
The Games Committee is delighted to report that former Games cyclist and Alva town resident, Willie Johnston, has graciously accepted our invitation to be our Guest of Honour for the 2020 Games.
W Johnston (Deanston), as he appeared in countless Games programmes across the country, was a regular on the grass track, continuing to take part, especially at what became his local track, well beyond an age when many would have long since retired. He loved his cycling and still misses not being able to bring his wheels over the road from his front room to the Games park each July.
He passed on his love of the Games to his family. Sons Graham and Robert are also very well known names on the circuit through their competition in athletics and his daughter, Helen, has presented the Under 12 Hill Race trophy in recent years on behalf of the then sponsors of the race.
Willie is the first person from the world of grass track cycling to be our Guest of Honour but, in what will be the 150th year of such racing anywhere on the Highland Games circuit in Scotland, it seemed hugely appropriate that he be invited along in that role. We look forward to welcoming him and his family to the Johnstone Park on 11th July 2020.