Charles left ‘sad and frustrated’ after Highland Games cancelled
PRINCE Charles admits he finds it ‘incredibly frustrating’ that Highland Games are being cancelled.
The Duke of Rothesay is a long-standing fan of the events and a regular at the Braemar Gathering, in Aberdeenshire, and, latterly, the Mey Highland Games in Caithness.
But this year the events are being called off because of Covid-19, meaning rural communities will lose hundreds of thousands of pounds.
The Duke said: ‘As patron of the Scottish Highland Games Association and someone who has had the joy of attending Highland Games and Gatherings since my childhood, it is incredibly sad and frustrating to hear that due to the current health pandemic most, if not all, Games will be cancelled this summer.
‘I have no doubt that the decision to cancel this season’s Games will have been extremely painful for the officials, organisers and volunteers. However, the loyalty, strength and determination that lies at the very heart of our Games will, I am sure, see us through to better times ahead.’
He added: ‘In so many ways, Highland Games bring out the very best in our communities.
‘Each Games, big or small, have their own unique qualities and traditions, making them individually special.
‘The thought of missing all this for a year is hard to bear.’
Organisers will be counting the cost of cancelled events but many have been rescheduled for the 2021 season.
Prince Charles is optimistic community spirit will shine through and the Games will return. He said: ‘Let us look forward to happier times, when once again the pipes can be tuned, the cabers rolled out, the kilts strapped on and we can head out once more to enjoy all that we love and share at our uniquely special Highland Games.’