Thousands enjoy annual Waipu Highland Games

Scotsman Jamie Gunn throws the 22lb stone during the heavyweight competition at the Waipu Highland Games. Photo / Michael Cunningham

It was a case of following in his father's footsteps for Scotsman Jamie Gunn at this year's Waipu Highland Games.

The 25-year-old was competing in the Highland Heavyweight Championship at Waipu for the first time yesterday, 22 years after his father competed in the same competition.

His father Alistair, came second overall in 1996 in his only visit to the games, and Mr Gunn said his uncle Murray competed sometime in the 90s too.

Mr Gunn, who comes from Halkirk in Scotland, has been working near Brisbane since October driving tractors and was asked to compete at Waipu.

"It's not too far away so I thought I'd come over."

He has been competing for seven years in Highland Games around the world, between 20 to 30 games a season.

Mr Gunn described his form yesterday as "a bit touch and go". "I'm trying to get back into it after three months."

The two time former under-25 Scottish champion won the Sheaf event, and got second in the 22lb stone throw, the 16lb hammer throw and the caber toss.

Mr Gunn was among a field of six challenging for the title, and like his father also finished second overall.

The rain washed out the final two events, but Aucklander Jono McFarlane claimed the overall title to go with the two he won in 2014 and 2015.

Thousands turned out to Caledonian Park to enjoy the 147th edition of the games yesterday. As well as the heavyweight events, the piping and dancing drew plenty of spectators on a day which was warm but slightly overcast for the most part, until the rain came later.

The Norseman took on The Scots in a battle, before the grand parade saw the Mass Band and Clans march into the main arena and the dancers perform a mass Highland Fling.

Stephen Hastings, who is originally from Scotland, and his young family from Auckland were first time visitors to the games. They had heard lots of great things about the day.

"It's good to introduce my kids to some of my Scottish heritage."