FEARS AS HIGHLAND GAMES CANCELLED
A HIGHLAND Games organiser says the future looks bleak after events across the country were cancelled.
Events on Skye, at Glamis Castle in Angus, Cupar in Fife, Kenmore in Perthshire, Lochcarron in the Highlands and Tomintoul in Moray are among 13 which have been called off over concerns about travel restrictions and social distancing.
Events generate more than £25million each year.
Scottish Highland Games Association members face looming deadlines to commit resources for events without knowing how financially viable they will be.
Secretary Ian Grieve said: “We thought we would just write off the whole season last year and everything would be back to normal in 2021.
“But I really don’t know if any will happen this year.
“It’s looking pretty bleak already with 13 events cancelled and we’re not even out of February.
“I’d expect to see a few more cancel in the next month, especially those due to happen in May and June.
“Later ones will maybe hang fire till April before they start committing expenditure.”
Last year was the first time since World War II that games on Skye have been called off.
Its organisers said: “Although things are hopefully improving there can be no guarantee as to what the situation will be like in August.
“These are difficult times and the health and wellbeing of our community has to be our main priority.”
Strathmore Highland Games, staged at Glamis Castle, said: “Having studied the most recent Scottish Government guidelines for large events, we are in no doubt that this is the only responsible action we can take.”
A statement from Cupar Highland Games said: “The decision has been taken in light of the current Covid-19 situation and the strong likelihood that some form of limitations on gatherings may well extend into summer.”