Fears for the future of Highland Games as events cancelled
They have long been a tradition in Scotland during the summer months, drawing in crowds from all over the world.
But there are fears the future of the Highland Games could be at risk unless a new generation of volunteers steps up to organise them.
Several dates on the games’ circuit have already been axed ahead of this year’s calendar.
Among them are the Thornton Highland Gathering and Cupar Highland Games in Fife, and the Loch Lomond Highland Games at Balloch, Dunbartonshire.
Ageing committees, increased bureaucracy, and a withdrawal of council funding have all been blamed as contributing factors in the decline.
But apathy has been cited as the biggest obstacle as the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association (RSHGA) calls for fresh blood to ensure the survival of a tradition estimated to be worth £25million a year to the Scottish economy.
They are a cherished tradition in Scotland, but there are growing fears for Highland Games unless a new generation of volunteers steps in to help organise them
In a statement, the governing body said: ‘All Games in the country are run by volunteer members and, to ensure their survival, it is essential that more people come forward to lend a hand.’
RSHGA secretary Craig Dunbar said Scotland has between 80 and 90 games which ‘for a small country, to get people to do that is not bad’.
A spokesman for VisitScotland last night said: ‘Highland Games have been part of Scotland’s culture for hundreds of years. With many games rooted in Scotland’s clans system, they also provide an important living link for visitors wishing to explore their ancestral ties to Scotland.’
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Tom Stoltman, 29, dominated the weekend final in the USA, beating last year’s winner, Canadian Mitchell Hooper, at the event in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Mr Stoltman, of Invergordon, Ross-Shire, said: ‘I just want to be “King of the World”, and that’s what I’ve done.’
