Braemar society in ‘yes’ vote for female members

AN ALL-MALE games society backed by the Royal Family has voted to accept women members.

The 200-year-old Braemar Royal Highland Society, which enjoys the patronage of the Queen, felt they were “missing out on a lot of talent” by excluding females.

The group, which organises the famous highland games, currently boasts 120 male members. They hope that their unanimous decision to make the change will boost numbers and help the society “move forward”.

The development means that children of female members or those who move outside the parish of Crathie and Braemar in Aberdeenshire could compete in the games.

Only children who live in the parish or whose father is a member of the society are entitled to participate at present.

Benefits include a £40 annual pension and a £250 lump sum to a spouse when a member dies.

David Geddes, president of the society, said: “I have felt for a while that it is time for a change.

“It’s not a very fair playing field. We need to move forward while keeping our heritage and traditions.

“It’s no longer the case that men are always the breadwinners. Women are more involved in business and we are missing out on a lot of talent in the village.”

He added that the proposal had been backed unanimously by members at the society’s annual meeting last month.

The society was formed in 1815, and organises events such as the Braemar Gathering, which is held in September and regularly attracts 20,000 visitors.