Hopes high for great year for area’s Games
It is with a sense of optimism that the Perthshire Highland Games Association recently released the dates for all 13 member Highland Games for the coming season.
Having seen a complete cancellation of all local events over the last two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there is now a real sense of enthusiasm to see Highland Games back on the events calendar – coupled with a genuine belief that this season it will actually happen.
PHGA chair Ian Stewart, a well-known face in Crieff, said: “We are not entirely out of the woods yet as far as the virus is concerned and there may be issues to overcome. However, things don’t look as bleak as they have done.
“There is no doubt we have concerns surrounding possible restrictions, one of those being the possibility of vaccine passports still being a requirement to enter large scale gatherings – and this in itself would obviously bring a challenge to all our members.
“We had hoped that the recent announcement of a lowering of restrictions would be a welcome one.
However, the lowering of attendance numbers to 1000 for events to require 50 per cent vaccine passport checks could prove difficult.
“Until the season actually gets under way, we are unsure what possible restrictions may still be in place. I can assure everyone though that all Perthshire Highland Games organisers will be taking the utmost care to keep all our visitors and competitors safe while they attend our events.”
This is Ian’s first full year as PHGA chair. He continued: “I hope we will see Perthshire Highland Games bounce back in 2022 with a real bang.
“Having stayed in Crieff my entire life, I have a real enthusiasm for Perthshire and all it has to offer, but Highland Games are my passion.
“It has been said that Highland Games are basically ‘men in kilts’; they are what you see on the side of a shortbread tin and that once you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all.
“However, my answer to that is ‘you’ve never been to a Perthshire Highland Games then!’
“Besides the fact that all are traditional Highland Games with events such as Highland dancing, pipe bands, athletics and the iconic caber toss, there is so much more to see and do.
“From watching Military Tattoo acts, listening to music performers such as the famous Red Hot Chilli Pipers or taking in the World Haggis Eating Competition, screaming on the funfair rides or enjoying the many food and drink outlets available – we do it best in Perthshire.
“Many Highland Games now also offer hospitality packages where families or businesses can enjoy the whole spectacle from the comfort of a marquee.”
Ian concluded: “There is no doubt that for many towns and villages throughout Perthshire, the Highland Games can be their biggest social event on the calendar and one that many people use as their annual gathering for friends and family.
“There is a real community spirit surrounding Perthshire Highland Games, something that can be very easily and quickly lost should these events be allowed to diminish.
“However this year, with the help of the people of Perthshire, the many visitors from here and abroad, the musicians and competitors, we hope to see a triumphant return of 13 of Scotland’s most loved Highland Games.”
The Perthshire Highland Games Association programme is as follows:
Saturday, May 28 - Blackford; Sunday, May 29 - Atholl Gathering; Wednesday, July 6 - Kenmore; Saturday, July 23 - Lochearnhead; Wednesday, August 3 - Killin; Saturday, August 13 - Aberfeldy Show; Sunday, August 14 - Perth; Saturday, August 20 - Rannoch; Sunday, August 21 - Crieff; Saturday, August 27 - Birnam; Saturday, August 27 - Kirkmichael; Sunday, September 4 - Blairgowrie and Rattray; Saturday, September 10 - Pitlochry. co.uk.