´óÏó´«Ã½

Be honest, how tired and humiliated do I look in this photograph? This is me with my running mates, moments after taking part in the hill race at the Aboyne Highland Games on Sunday. Embarrassingly I was still in the queue for the lavvies when the race started, so had to make a mad dash through the kilted hordes to join the others on the punishing run up 'The Fungle'.

My shame was complete when the following report appeared in the diary column of The Aberdeen Press and Journal. I should point out that my real name is not Barron, I'm not fair haired and have never been close to becoming the ´óÏó´«Ã½'s Asia correspondent.

"COMIC Billy Connolly, who keeps a wee pad at Candacraig up Strathdon way, was not the only surprise VIP at Saturday's Aboyne Gathering. Also there was Brian Barron, one-time Asia reporter for the ´óÏó´«Ã½.

He had entered the hill race but, incredibly, managed to miss the start.

The crowds were treated to the sight of the fair-haired hack racing across the park in pursuit of the pack. Commentator Robbie Shepherd didn't miss a trick as he said: "Hurry up, Brian, and jist join in onywye."

Needless to say, the tail-end Charlie of the 72-strong field did not feature in the prize list. Indeed, he may still be running."