Putting games to the sword

Published on Tuesday 10 June 2008 19:59

THE relentless tide of health and safety seems to have gathered its own momentum. People it seems are so used to new rules – and so accepting of them – that no questions are asked. Highland sword dancing at the Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and Strathyre Highland Games has been cancelled this summer.

That is a great pity and probably a great upset for some young hopefuls. The event has been called off this year because judges understood that new legislation – to wit the Custodial Sentences and Weapons (Scotland) Act 2007 – means they cannot carry swords in their cars to the competition, and that young competitors will not be allowed to march into the field carrying the swords, as is traditional.

Highland Games are one of the great international attractions of the Scottish summer and any threat to them would be

a great blow. However in this case it seems the judges

have misinterpreted. The legislation – aimed at restricting the sale, hire and giving of swords and other dangerous bladed weapons – is not in force yet and – sensibly – when it does come in there will be caveats

to protect the use of swords for religious and cultural reasons.

But doesn't it speak volumes that people are too ready to believe in bizarre restrictions arbitrarily imposed by the state purportedly

in the name of health and safety?