Couple's delight at being named first joint Scots Games chieftains

AFTER more than 30 years helping to organise the Bathgate and West Lothian Highland Games, Tom and Cathy Tierney have been made joint chieftains of this year's event – the first joint title in Scotland.

TOM, 65, and Cathy, 60, first attended the Highland Games in Bathgate's Meadow Park in 1975, with some of Mrs Tierney's work colleagues.

Mr Tierney, a retired electrical engineer, was asked to operate the public address at the fledgling games, which had only been founded two years earlier. He said: "I was invited along to help with the sound one year, and I've never been able to get away ever since!"

Mr Tierney soon became a committee member and the couple have worked tirelessly behind the scenes every year, helping to make sure the event goes smoothly.

However, this year's unique honorary title will see them become the focus of the closing ceremony's Salute to the Chieftain".

Mr Tierney said: "The Salute to the Chieftain is the best part of the whole event. Especially for the chieftain. This year will be particularly special for us."

The Tierneys are also thought to be the first joint chieftains in Scottish Highland Games history.

Describing the offer as a "genuine privilege", Mr Tierney added: "We were shocked and surprised at first. It was particularly nice that we were both asked, so we felt that it was an honour we just couldn't refuse."

And after more than 30 years in the unpredictable world of Highland Games, the Tierneys are unlikely to be fazed by the attention.

Mr Tierney described the time, several years ago, when the BBC and a German television crew attended the Bathgate and West Lothian Games.

Unfortunately for the Germans, a Yorkshire terrier took a particular disliking to them and the cameraman had a barking dog to put up with all day.

Mr and Mrs Tierney first met in 1970, working side-by-side at an electronics manufacturer, and they have been together ever since.

Mrs Tierney went on to become a driving instructor and is now retired. Mr Tierney is also retired after his time as an electronics engineer.

As always, Mr and Mrs Tierney have been hard at work making preparations for the 2008 event for several months.

This year's show will feature an opening-day parachute display by the Golden Lions, Highland Dancing and the famous Cairnpapple Hill Race.

Organisers are expecting a turnout of around 1000 people on the big day.

The games will take place on Saturday, May 31, in Meadow Park, Bathgate.