On Saturday 18 August, 22 bridge players from Skye and Lochalsh gave an enthusiastic welcome to 22 bridge players from the USA when they arrived to play an 18 round duplicate tournament. The Kyle of Lochalsh Bridge Club were thrilled to host their first international competitive event against Fred Theurkauf from Finesse West Tours and his travelling companions.

The event took place in the café, Gasta at Armadale Castle, and was hosted by Jamie Macdonald of Aird (pictured with Fred Theurkauf). Jamie Macdonald is Chairman of the Executive Committee of Clan Donald Lands Trust (the charity that owns and manages Armadale Castle, Gardens and Museum) and a keen bridge player. He presented the winning American pair, Don Whitaker of Henderson, Nevada and Valerie Petersen of  Walnut Creek, California, with a quaich donated by Una McLeod of Teague.  Their score was 63.19.

First for the British side were Bea MacDonald from Achnacloich, partnered by Connie McCulloch from Kyle of Lochalsh, scoring 60.20.

Jamie Macdonald was keen to inform the visitors of the strong, generous North American involvement in keeping the castle  and the extensive grounds in Macdonald  hands. He warmly invited them to send their relatives and friends over to enjoy our heritage.

Kyle of Lochalsh Bridge Club only started last September and now meets on Thursday evenings and Monday afternoons throughout the year. New players are welcome. A course of beginners’ classes is planned for this autumn in Kyleakin.