When I decided that last year would be my last as Announcer (after 25 years "on the mike"). I had planned that this year I would come to the games simply as an ordinary spectator so that I could see what went on on Games Day around the park, since I saw very little (apart from the "area" activities) from my position under the goal posts. However, the Committee must have had a brainstorm at their "Greeting Meeting" after last year's games as they decided to invite me to be Chieftain this year, thus torpedoing all my plans.

I was both surprised and honored at their invitation, as I feel that there are many more worthy recipients of this honour in and around Peebles, men and women who have served the Games Loyally over the years, but whose work has been "low profile" and often behind the scenes. However, I was very proud to accept the honour, and I am extremely happy to be here today as your Chieftain - and I hope that I shall STILL be able to see all the various activities going on around the fringe of the main arena as well as the Heavies, the Highland Dancing and of course the Pipe Bands.

My dearest wish for today is that we are blessed with a fine day, as this makes for everyone's enjoyment. I also hope that the competition will be keen in ALL classes and that every competitor gets due reward for his or her efforts. I hope too that spectators will go home tonight saying, "That was a cracker of a day; we MUST come back next year", whether home be here in Peebles, elsewhere in the U.K., or overseas.

I welcome you all to the 2005 Peebles Highland Games; may it be a day to remember for us all - for all the right reasons.