Worries of second bare year for games season

A call for clarity over this year’s Highland games programme has been made amid fears of another fallow year.

The Scottish Highland Games Association (SHGA), which oversees more than 60 events, decided to write-off the whole 2020 season as restrictions on public gatherings were introduced last March.

At the time, it was expected there may be normality this summer.

But with 13 scheduled Scottish events already cancelled for 2021 – including Cupar, Kenmore and Strathmore Highland games – North East Fife MSP Willie Rennie believes those involved in the circuit need urgent support.

Mr Rennie said: “The first minister must ensure the organisers receive the certainty they need to plan ahead and make sure the games that have already been cancelled are supported to return at full strength next year.”

His comments come as Ian Grieve, secretary of the SHGA, conceded the prospects for any games going ahead this summer are “looking pretty bleak already”.

Mr Grieve said: “I’d expect to see a few more cancel in the next month, especially those due to happen in May and June.

“Each will have their own cut-off point.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon admitted she could not provide any certainty for any of the country’s large-scale events this summer.

A number of events have been cancelled.