Sadness as Games Day called off again
Our Games relies on a large percentage of visitors coming from abroad and, with the ongoing restrictions on travel, this would mean a considerable drop in numbers Marlyn McInnes
The annual gathering of the Glenisla Highland and Friendly Society has been cancelled for the second year running due to the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic.
One of the most traditional Highland Games in the calendar, the event – which usually takes place in August – attracts not only locals but competitors and spectators from all over the world.
Marlyn McInnes is the secretary for Glenisla Games.
She said: “It is with the greatest of regret that we have taken the difficult decision to cancel the Glenisla Games again this year.
“However, due to the current situation and the global coronavirus crisis, we had no choice but to cancel the Games for the welfare of all those attending and for those
involved in the preparation of the Games.
“Our Games relies on a large percentage of visitors and competitors coming from abroad – as far afield as Australia and Canada – and, with the ongoing restrictions on travel, this would mean a considerable drop in numbers.
“The committee also felt that as we did not know what the future holds – even with the vaccination programme roll-out and whether people would want to attend such events – that it was in everyone’s best interests not to hold this year’s gathering.
“It was a very sad decision to make as we all look forward to the Games each year as it’s a chance to relax and see friends
and family.”
Marlyn continued: “We hope things will continue to improve and that we will be able to come back in 2022 with a bigger and better Games and we look forward to seeing everyone again then.”
The Glenisla Highland and Friendly Society was inaugurated in 1856 at the time when Queen Victoria’s love of Balmoral brought a new era of pride in the Highland dress, culture and language.
The traditional gatherings afforded an opportunity for all the crofters and inhabitants from the whole glen to compete against one another.
Since 1856, the Glenisla Games has
only been cancelled a handful of times.
One such occasion occurred in 1900 following the deaths of three local people, including the Games’ patron Lt-Col David Stanley William Ogilvy, 11th Earl of Airlie – who fell in action in South Africa – and the then Games secretary James Jack of Forter.
Games Day was also cancelled in 1902 following the death of Queen Victoria, during the two world wars and in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
For further information and updates on Glenisla Games, see the website at www.glenislahighlandgames.co.uk or search for ‘Glenisla Highland Games’ on Facebook.