Originally Posted by
Skye Highland Games
Heavy rain for once disrupted the occasion in 1888, but the reasonable attendance was rewarded with one great innovation. The "keepers, shepherds and ghillies" race was originally intended as a three-mile hill contest between practitioners of just those trades. So few keepers, ghillies or shepherds came forward, however, that the race was thrown open. Twelve men then entered to race the three miles from the ground to half way up Fingal's Seat and back again. Roddy Morrison of Ardlair was first to re-enter the arena, but he unfortunately slipped and allowed Murdo Nicolson of Glenmore to overtake him at the last. Nicolson reached the finishing line in front, and then collapsed with exhaustion. He was rewarded with a prize of £4, over £200 a century later.