GOUROCK Highland Games Cancelled But Council Still Hoping To Reschedule
GOUROCK Highland Games, due to be held in May, have been called off for the second year in a row because of pandemic restrictions.
Inverclyde Council is still examining options for possibly holding the games later in the year, subject to covid rules being relaxed.
The event, held at Battery Park, Greenock on the second Sunday in May, traditionally marks the start of the Scottish Highland Games season. This year would have been the 65th anniversary games.
Inverclyde Provost Martin Brennan said: “The event is of great local and national importance with it being the traditional start of the Scottish season.
“There’s always an international interest too, especially with the overseas competitors who travel to Inverclyde to take part and many visitors making the Games a part of their holiday to Scotland.
“It’s deeply disappointing that the games have been cancelled but staying healthy and saving lives remains the priority as we navigate our way out of the pandemic.
“Like many things, I’m very much looking forward to the return of the Gourock Highland Games and seeing people discover Inverclyde when it’s once again safe to do so.”
Sharon Smith, of the Glasgow and West of Scotland (GWOS) branch of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA) said: “The GWOS branch is equally disappointed with cancellation, but, will be working with Inverclyde Council to hopefully reschedule later in the year subject to guidance from the Scottish Government,”
Ian Grieve, Scottish Highland Games Association (SHGA) secretary, said: “The Scottish Highland Games Association are saddened to hear that Gourock Highland Games have decided to cancel this year’s event in May, but fully understand that in these difficult times it is probably the right decision in the current circumstances.
“As they were due to go ahead in May at the beginning of our season it was always looking likely that they might need to cancel for a second year. We wish them all the best and hope they can regroup and come back even stronger at a rescheduled date or 2022.”
May Hughes, the Gourock Highland Games dancing organiser, said: “Although unfortunate, we totally agree with the decision to cancel this year’s Games as all aspects of health and safety must be a priority
“It is disappointing as the West of Scotland Championship held within the Gourock Highland Games is the first outdoor championship of the season and is always enjoyed by many competitors and spectators alike.
“We hope that by next year we will all be in a better position and that normality will have returned to allow the things we enjoy to recommence and look forward to welcoming everyone back.”
