Lonach Highland Games tribute to Robin Williams

Comedian Robin Williams in full Highland dress at the Lonach Highland Games in Strathdon. Picture: PA

The American comedian, who was found dead in his Calinfornia home on Monday, was a regular guest of Scottish stand-up Billy Connolly at the Lonach Gathering and Games

Police believe Williams, 63, known for films such as Good Morning Vietnam and Mrs Doubtfire, took his own life.

Williams would regularly depart the VIP stand to take part in the gruelling hill race and he was even convinced to wear traditional Scottish dress on occasion, happily being pictured in full kilt, dress jacket and bonnet as he watched the games.

Former secretary of the games, George Thomson, said Williams always brought a beaming smile and his trademark wit to the event.

Mr Thomson said: “He would light the place up.

“The whole place seemed to stand up when he appeared.

“He always took everyone on - no matter who it was, he would give them his time.

“And he always took part in the hill race, every time he came.

“It’s a terrible loss to everyone and he will be sadly missed.”

The annual Lonach Gathering and Games has been held for more than 150 years.

In recent years the event became an A-list celebrity haunt after Connolly bought Candacraig House, a baronial home nearby.

Dame Judi Dench, Ewan McGregor and Steve Martin have all been seen enjoying hospitality at the event as a guests of Billy Connolly.

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