Plans to mark 150th Games are put on hold
Blackford milestone
Organisers have decided not to attempt to find a new date to allow Blackford Highland Games to mark its 150th year in 2020.
Originally, the milestone moment for what is traditionally the first event of its kind in the Perth and Kinross calendar was to have taken place on May 30.
However, it was understandably announced last week that one of the highlights of the year in the village would not take place as originally planned in light of government guidance on mass gatherings in the wake of the coronavirus epidemic.
The Blackford Highland Games committee then said efforts were ongoing in a bid to ensure an event held since 1870 – including, according to organisers, during the Boer War and the two world wars – still went ahead in 2020.
But it was announced on Sunday that a proposed new date pencilled in the diary for August 23 was no longer being pursued.
Committee president Stuart Laing said: “After discussions with the Scottish Highland Games Association, Perth and Kinross Council and police advisors we have decided to cancel the event on May 30.
“Preparations for our annual event were mostly complete and cancellation will disappoint our regular competitors, attendees and traders but we have a clear duty of care which supersedes all other considerations.”
Stuart added: “Rescheduling was initially a possibility and a suitable date was Sunday, August 23.
“B u t B l a c k f o rd Hi g h l a n d Games is cancelled and will not be rescheduled this year.
“It was decided that it was not a viable option to attempt to hold the games later in the year.
“Blackford Highland Games will return in 2021 and, until then, we encourage everyone to stay safe.”
For more i n f o rmat i o n see the website www. blackfordhighlandgames. co. uk or search on Facebook.