Findlay Walker

Findlay Walker was a member of Tomintoul & Strathavon Highland Games for over 40 years, 20 as our Chieftain.

Not all his duties were glamorous, though. Like most of the Committee, Games Day started early for Findlay and he could usually be seen early in the morning with the local constabulary putting out “NO WAITING” cones up and down Main Street.

He had a great love of and interest in the pipe bands, latterly serving as Pipe Band Convener. After welcoming the bands upon their arrival he would escort them to the bottom of the village where they mustered to start their march - following a generous offer of refreshment! Findlay would then be seen striding proudly out in front as the bands made their way up Main Street, accepting the occasional further offer of refreshment from local residents en route.

Findlay was a tall man and with the eagle feathers in his bonnet looked a giant - a giant in stature and a giant in personality. He had an extraordinary talent for meeting and greeting everyone from sponsors and patrons to competitors and reps from other Games, putting all at ease and helping to make Tomintoul the friendly Games it’s famed to be.

He was also a great ambassador for Tomintoul & Strathavon Highland Games, attending all Grampian Games meetings, serving on the general council of the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association, representing the Grampian region, and attending many other Games throughout the summer.

To us he will be Chieftain aye.