Games mark milestone despite COVID call-off
Strathearn Snapshots
Market Park should have been bursting with activity, music and tradition for Crieff Highland Gathering’s 150th anniversary.
And, although the pandemic put a halt to the Strath capital’s biggest event of the year, the momentous milestone did not go unmarked.
Directors gathered at the home of Scotland’s premier games for a ceremonial raising of the CHG flag.
Pipe Major Mark Stewart from the Vale of Atholl Pipe Band wrote a tune for the occasion, which he performed as the Lord-Lieutenant of Perth and Kinross Stephen Leckie and his cadet Harry Bath raised the flag, and the 150th anniversary was toasted with a dram.
And a video put together by Colin Murray of Cam-Media, celebrating the history of Crieff Highland Games and narrated by former chieftain Ewan McGregor, was aired on Facebook at 2pm, when the Games would have been in full swing.
Crieff Highland Gathering chair Anna McLean said: “I would like to thank the board of directors, Lord Lieutenant Stephen Leckie and his cadet, Harry Bath for joining us at the Market Park to reflect on and commemorate the 150th anniversary of Crieff Highland Gathering.
“I would also like to extend that thanks to everyone involved in the Gathering over the past 150 years.
“Without their dedication and commitment we would not be the premier Highland Games we are today.
“I would also like to praise the town and those businesses who were involved in our Tartan Up the Town. It really was a pleasure to see so many dressed shop windows, making the decision to choose a winner extremely difficult.
“Well done to everyone but especially to Fish in Crieff, the overall winner.”
CHG directors are now looking ahead to the 2021 Gathering, with plans underway for a spectacular show of sporting prowess, Highland dancing and musical attractions for the weekend of August 21 and 22.
Anna added: “I look forward to welcoming everyone to our 150th +1 Games next year, starting with our Musicfest on Saturday, followed by the Games on Sunday.”