A taste of what we’re missing

Tourists and locals have missed their visits to the highland games this summer.

Events at Alva, Callander and Bridge of Allan are high on the agenda for many people while 12 months ago, around 2000 people soaked in the atmosphere of the annual Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and Strathyre Highland Games and Gathering on the games park beside Loch Earn.

It takes monsoonlike conditions to halt a highland games and revellers are happy to wrap up to watch the traditional events like highland dancing, races and piping.

But it is the heavy events including tossing the caber and throwing the weight - both for height and distance - which brings in many interested spectators.

Around the highland games circuit, tough heavyweight athletes from around the world descend on Scotland for the summer to take part in competition.

Hill races at Alva and at the Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and Strathyre games also attract runners from near and far.

We’ve given you a little taste of how last year’s event on the banks of Loch Earn looked - roll on 2021 until we see them return.

■There may be no traditional games this summer due to the coronavirus pandemic but hardy participants are still being sought for next month’s virtual Stirling Highland Games.

The August 15 event has gone online and entrants can now take part by posting their feats on social media (#Flingitathome).

Organisers have put together a range of traditional competitions which will stream on Facebook on Saturday, August 15 including the caber, weight over the bar and hammer.

The requirements are for each clip to include the participant’s name, where they are from, and the category they are entering.

They can then post clip(s) on social media, tag Stirling Highland Games and hashtag #Flingitathome by Sunday, August 2.

Selected clips, including winners, will be shown in the category countdowns on The Best of Stirling programme streamed on August 15.