See Stirling Games from your couch Popular event goes online after Covid cancellation
A virtual Stirling Highland Games is planned for August following the cancellation of the annual gathering due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Organisers of the games have put together a range of entertainment which will stream on Facebook on Saturday, August 15, the date the games had been due to take place at Stirling Sports Village.
It includes Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Association band Balaklava Pipes and Drums, traditional Highland Games competitions, and a new Bruce Challenge strongman event.
President of Stirling Highland Games Matt McGrandles, of social enterprise Ceangail CIC, said the games will highlight the best of Stirling despite its virtual form.
He also pointed out that last year’s Stirling Highland Games had generated more than £414,000 for the city after six years of building-up momentum.
He added: “We didn’t want 2020 to go by without giving locals and visitors a flavour of what it’s like to visit the Stirling Highland Games and local area so we will pack as much as we
Matt explained: “Participants will be asked to film themselves and then add it to their Facebook page. From there we will be able to pick up the clips and add them to the schedule to showcase on August 15 when a winner will be announced.
“The Bruce Challenge is our new strongman event. Participants need to walk as far as they can carrying a weight in excess of 150kg.”
Stirling Highland Games are also looking for any bands who wish to take part in the virtual event to get in touch.
They are also asking viewers to donate some money. Matt added: “Although it is free to watch we will be asking for viewers to make a donation to Ceangail as due to Covid-19 our income from ticket sales is now at zero.”
At the end of May Ceangail CIC had remained hopeful that the games would go ahead, however, with uncertainty over the viability of large gatherings later this year they had to cancel the event.
The safety of visitors, competitors and officials had been of “paramount importance”.
Matt had said of the cancellation: “I think I speak on behalf of all the committee when I say it has been a very hard decision to make, not least because it was our 150th year anniversary event.”
Tickets for the 2020 Highland Games can be carried over to next year’s event.
Anyone with queries can get in touch with the organisers via email at office@ stirlinghighlandgames.com
We didn’t want 2020 to go by without giving locals and visitors a flavour of Stirling Highland Games