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Saturday, June 09, 2012

Sandra Ross Lights Olympic Cauldron (Nairn woman torches Inverness)

Pictures and report Dave Shillabeer


At 1850 tonight 62 year old Sandra Ross, Convenor of Nairn Highland Games was the last of 15 runners with the Olympic Torch in Inverness. She had the honour of taking the last stage into the arena at The Northern Meeting Park , mounting the stage to a wildly cheering crowd of an estimated 17 -19,000 and lighting the travelling Olympic Cauldron. Sandra’s nomination letter which got her the place in this National event reads:-

"For over 20 years Sandra has been the driving force behind Nairn Amateur Athletics Club, firstly as a coach and latterly as Chair-person of the club. She has always had a particular interest in youngsters and the development of their individual talents. For the last 10 years she has been Convenor of The Nairn Highland Games and she was instrumental in introducing the Junior Highland Games on the morning of the Games. Without Sandra's drive and enthusiasm neither the N.A.A.C. nor the Nairn Highland Games would have the effect on the local community that it undoubtedly has today. For 12 years Sandra was Chair-person of the Nairn Sports CounciI. I cannot think of anyone who has done more for athletics/sports in Nairn, who is more deserving of such an honour than Sandra Ross, to carry the 'Olympic Flame' in the North of Scotland."

The pictures show Sandra on the big screen as she entered The Northern Meeting Park, at the point of ignition of the cauldron and her triumphant stance before the cheering crowds. Well done Sandra. You did yourself and Nairn proud today.

Dave Shillabeer

Dave also told the Gurn: " If she is allowed, how many people would like to see her carrying the torch at the head of this year’s Highland Games."

9 comments:

  1. Torch it10:51 PM

    Good for her for appearing but I really hope she sells the torch on eBay long before games day, the two events don't go together

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  2. I've a nice snap of her, en route just next to the cathedral. Unfortunately grumpy faced bovine in foreground and I lacked the courage to do a rugby tackle as my lovely and very alert son William clicked the shutter. What a rubbish mum. Another once in a life time opportunity ruined. Will he ever forgive me?

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  3. things go better without8:17 AM

    Might as well get folk to run around the streets holding a bottle of coca cola aloft, that's what it's all about these days

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  4. Anonymous9:11 AM

    what a load of crap
    sooner its over the better
    all a waste of money,,it could be better used to keep me in drink...

    scrounger

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  5. Whey-aye-man10:05 AM

    Noticed a fantastic photograph on Facebook done by Ian MacRae photography of Sandra waving to the crowd," The Canny Lass" sure looks like she is enjoying herself.
    You looked pure Hinny my old Mara, The Toon wid be proud oh yea Pet,
    Ps hope ye dinna mind ma Geordie slang, there is nothing rude said.

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  6. pepsi fan4:52 PM

    Must have been a muckle pan of soup they had on the cauldron to feed the thousands

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  7. things go better5:55 PM

    michty mee pepsi fan it wis ma misses that had ta mak aw the soup for the good folkies fit gaitherd in Schnechie, she was peeling the tatties fae twa morning ago right up tae the midnicht we the carrots,peas,rice & just a wee droppie ah salt, but she did an awfae fine job & there is still a wee drappie left fur you pepsi fan if yu wud like some & the misses said there is stlll a heal oh breed left an aw fur ye, fit a fair cracking day wee hid in Inverness it wis just michty dandy tae see Oor Sandra fae Nairn we the torch fit wid come in fair handy as I hufnae ony lichts in my byre when I wid bee feeding the coos, must awa cause I huv a hellava thirst ganging awa tae the fridge for a canna Coke.

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  8. Anonymous9:53 PM

    Loving the Aberdonian lingo, michety me an aw that ; D

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  9. Hamish10:08 AM

    My congratulations to Sandra on being selected to carry the Olympic Torch on the last stage of it being carried into Inverness.

    On reading the letter of nomination she most certainly deserves the honour and the people of Nairn must surely be proud of her.

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