Games depend on their grass roots

WE WERE interested to read the article in Scotland on Sunday (News, 20 November) regarding the issues facing Highland games in Scotland. As the sport’s governing body, we are always interested in raising awareness and support for Scottish traditional sports.

We see a slightly different picture to the one created by the report: the health of games is as varied as the many constituent parts. The breadth of our member Highland games across Scotland reflects the diversity of the communities that support them; each has its own challenges but the common theme is that they are grassroots events that rely on local people to thrive. Our events are staged with low entry fees, volunteer helpers, small sponsorship and very limited government support, but still retain an iconic status in this country.

We also see great interest from abroad – regular visits by film crews – and events across the world as people look to maintain a link with the “old country”. The enormous games in the United States and Canada show what can happen with strong backing.

Highland games in Scotland recognise these challenges but this also creates an opportunity for people everywhere. To get involved with this thousand-year-old tradition just contact your local games, or us at www.shga.co.uk.

Ian Grieve, Secretary, Scottish Highland Games Association