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by james macgregor | August 31st , 2001 | contact: james@netribution.co.uk

Highland Games Eclipsed By Hollywood Star Spectators

The organiser of the highland games of which Billy Connolly is laird has complained that a line-up of Hollywood guests is leaving the real stars of the games, the competitors, in the shade.

The Lonach Gathering at Strathdon, Aberdeenshire, used to be a low-key affair with attention focused on the kilted marchers and contestants. But all that changed after Connolly bought neighbouring Candacraig House four years ago.

As the local laird, the one-time shipyard welder immersed himself in the traditions of the games and began inviting his Hollywood friends to join him.

At the 160th gathering last weekend, guests included comedian Eric Idle, actor Ewan McGregor and Hollywood stars Steve Buscemi, Aidan Quinn and Robin Williams.

For many of the 12,000 visitors to the games, the film stars were the main attraction.

Organiser John Barbour said: "There’s nothing wrong with these people coming to the games. Everybody’s welcome. But it is the public who are causing the trouble. They are gaping at the celebrities as if they have never seen them before. It seems that all anybody’s interested in are the stars. They are not worried about the people taking part."

However, Mr Barbour stressed he did not want to alienate anyone from attending the event: "I am very happy to have the celebrities here. They are good for the games and good for the crowds. Last weekend, we had big crowds."

Connolly bought the £500,000 mansion and estate after falling in love with the area while filming Mrs Brown.

He has since become a popular fixture in the area and was recently made an honorary member of the Lonach Highland Society in recognition of his services to the area.

It is rare an outsider is given the honour, which allows Connolly to march with the men as they make their way to the gathering .

He declined the opportunity this year and stayed at home to entertain his guests, but welcomed the men with a dram at his doorstep at the end of their six-mile trek.

Connolly has further endeared himself to the locals by donating the proceeds of a concert in Aberdeen towards the repair of the village hall roof.

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