Scotland's first astronaut David Mackay returns home as chieftain of Highland Games

Scotland’s first astronaut has scored another first in a remarkable career, this time as chieftain at a Highland Games.

David Mackay returned from his American home to his birthplace of Helmsdale on the Sutherland coast to host the popular annual event.

He was piped into the Couper Park arena after a chieftain’s parade up the hill from the village’s Bridge Hotel.

After officially opening proceedings, Virgin Galactic astronaut Dr Mackay said it had been an honour to be invited.

“I always knew it was going to be a fun day and I’ve really enjoyed it. I’ve met a lot of people I hadn’t seen for a long time,” he said.

“There have been some changes but essentially it’s the same place – the same people, the same lifestyle and you just instantly feel at home.”

David Mackay returned from his American home to his birthplace of Helmsdale on the Sutherland coast to host the popular annual event. STV News

The former RAF test pilot joined Sir Richard Branson’s space operation almost 30 years ago, ultimately becoming chief pilot of his Virgin Galactic mission to make commercial spaceflight a reality.

Helmsdale Games chairman Andrew Sutherland was thrilled to have him on board in his home village.

“He was the same age as my wife in school and she said we thought he would do it. But he was working, obviously you know what he was working at – he was flying into space,” Mr Sutherland said.

Dr Mackay has made annual trips to Helmsdale to catch up with relatives and friends.

On a previous visit, a youngster wrote a poem in his honour. At the weekend, there was a surprise musical tribute.

Piper, April Sutherland played a rendition of ‘Galactic Gael From The Dale’ which was specially composed by fellow local musician Ali Levack.

Speaking afterwards, April said: “Playing it for a spaceman is a bit of an interesting one. You’ve got to play it well. It’s a hard gig.

“I just had the music a couple of weeks, so I was listening to Alexander’s recording and playing along, hoping I would remember it. I’ve got a wee copy in my bag just in case I forgot it.”

Moved by the performance, Dr Mackay said: “I felt like I wanted to dance but I restrained myself.

“That sort of thing is marvellous. How often does that happen, someone writes a tune for you, for the pipes? Fantastic.”

Revealing that retirement was possibly a couple of years away, the Highlander said, for now, he’d continue to be part of Virgin Galactic.