(Not so) Royal Ascot!

Yet another brainchild of the whacky sisters - Rhona and Isla Millar, champions of Coll's cause - an afternoon at 'Ascot' to be held at the 'Racecourse Pavillion' in the village.

There were to be prizes for the most original hats and it has to be said that there were some very original creations indeed, all worn with due pride and dedication.

Wine was served as the betting commenced. There was plenty to gamble on, not least the weather! But rain held off, sunshine appeared and jockeys mounted thoroughbreds for some fiercely competitive and somewhat dangerous racing around our notoriously sloping, loose gravel, world class course.

Commentary was provided by Lady Isla herself with Lieutenant Commander McManmon (of hill racing fame) at her side. Cheating and foul play were widespread and at the time of writing this correspondent is still unsure of the winners. But everyone laughed a lot and drank more wine!

The main event was followed by sack racing on the green, egg and spoon (with variations), and more.

At the prizegiving, young Freya and Kira took the first ever 'Ascot Trophy for Hats'.

Davy manned a large barbeque, which was complimented by wonderful food prepared again in the Millar kitchen.

Five hours later everyone retired to the pub, most still sporting headgear. (I think Grant had been relieved of his tight-fitting swimming cap with pink feather boa attachment earlier, but it was hard to be sure from the stretched appearance of his skin). Everyone agreed it had been a very fine afternoon indeed! And then disagreed again (and again) as to who won what, who cheated where and how.

Thank you so much Isla and Rhona for your wonderful ideas, sense of humour and faith in the absurd. And for all your hard work spent in putting everything together. Knoydart is lucky to have you around and we are so grateful for and inspired by your fundraising prowess!