Martin Compston takes honorary chieftain role

Martin Compston has been named honorary chieftain of the Cowal Highland Gathering. Picture: Robert Perry

ONE of Scotland’s most high-profile actors has been unveiled as the Honorary Chieftain of Cowal Highland Gathering (CHG) 2015.

Greenock-born Martin Compston – who burst on to the big screen in 2002 in the lead role of Liam in Sweet Sixteen – is making the 5,000-mile trip from Los Angeles to take his place as the ceremonial head of this year’s event. Dunoon Stadium on Gathering Saturday may be a far cry from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, but Compston is thrilled at the prospect of accepting the salute from the spectacular massed bands.

He will also present the trophies in the prestigious Highland dancing and pipe band competitions.

“It’s an absolute privilege to be asked to be Chieftain at the Cowal Highland Gathering,” he said. “Having grown up just across the water in Greenock, I know what an event these games are to the West coast of Scotland. They are the perfect way to bring an end to any glimpse of summer we may have had!

“I have happy memories of getting the ferry across with my family as a kid to watch the caber toss, Highland dancing and the magnificent pipe band competitions, and it is a true honour to be asked to come back as chieftain. Fingers crossed for a bit of sunshine.”

CHG Chair Ronnie Cairns said he was delighted to have Compston as this year’s chieftain.

“Every year, we try to ensure that our chieftain is an individual with strong ties to this area who has excelled in their chosen field, and we are very pleased to have met those criteria so spectacularly this year,” Mr Cairns added.