Cautious approach as Games plans are made
Event preparations continue but safety is primary focus
Directors of Crieff Highland Gathering are not ruling out the Strath’s annual showpiece going ahead in some form this year.
The pandemic put paid to last year’s Highland Games in what would have been the 150th anniversary of the top Crieff event.
A bumper two-day extravaganza had been planned.
As well as the traditional Games and cultural activities, those lined up to take to the music stage included Big Country, The Elephant Sessions and the world famous Red Hot Chilli Pipers, as well as the return of Radio 1 DJs Scott Mills and Chris Stark and The American Rogues.
Instead the milestone was celebrated quietly with a sociallydistanced flag raising in Market Park on what would have been Games Day.
Pipe Major Mark Stewart from the Vale of Atholl Pipe Band wrote a tune for the occasion, which he performed as the 2020/ 2021 chieftain, the Lord-Lieutenant of Perth and Kinross Stephen Leckie, raised the flag, and directors toasted
the 150th anniversary with a dram.
Crieff Highland Gathering chair Anna McLean stressed that, although plans are being made for 2021, directors will be following government guidelines when taking any decisions for this year’s gathering.
She said: “We have had a number of enquiries and at this moment in time we are making preparations for this year’s Crieff Highland Gathering on August 22, although we will always be guided by government advice.
“We have been encouraged by the roll-out of the vaccinations across Scotland and the rest of the UK but rest assured our number one priority is the safety and wellbeing of our visitors, patrons, athletes, acts and volunteers.
“We will always do what is right to protect us all.”
A cautious approach is being taken and the Games may not be on the usual scale.
Director Alan Butler told the Herald: “We are having regular virtual meetings and making preparations as best we can under the current Covid restrictions.”
He continued: “Right now we wouldn’t rule anything out but we have to be flexible as we don’t know how things will change over the coming months.
“The decision may be taken out of our hands if we get to go ahead or not.
“A virtual event hasn’t been ruled out, but right now we are exploring all opportunities to see what is feasible and we’d encourage everyone to keep updated through our website and Facebook page.
“We hope this finds all our supporters safe and well and as the vaccination roll-out gathers speed we hope to share some good news with everyone in due course.”
We will always do what is right to protect us Chair
Anna McLean