Coronavirus: Kirkcaldy Beach Highland Games cancelled

The Kirkcaldy event, scheduled for Sunday, May 24, is the only one of its kind in Europe.

Established six years ago, it makes full use of the beach and waterfront, bringing huge crowds into the town centre.

With government advice to cancel large gatherings of over 500 people in a bid to minimise the spread of the virus, it was always under threat.

And, the challenge of creating a new body to take it forward following the closure of Kirkcaldy4All simply added to the pressures which prompted organisers to make a tough call.

Councillor Alistair Cameron said: “The event is still ten weeks away, but in the current situation, it was the right decision to cancel and and focus on arranging the 2021 games.

“With the closure of the BID company we were fighting against time to put together a constituted group to oversee it.

“That was still possible, but doing that was going to take a great deal of work, and possibly for no reason if the event was then cancelled.

“We also had to think of the health of the spectators and people coming to see the event.”

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https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-fife-theatre-shuts-down-until-end-may-2451396

The only other option open to the organisers was finding an alternative date but they were thwarted by factors outwith their control.

“The only two dates available came down to the tide – and nothing else.” added Cllr Cameron. “They were in September, and both were already booked for Highland Games events – including the Braemar Gathering.”

The team behind the event will now look ahead to bringing it back to town in 2021.

“The organising group is ready for next year. We just need to look at dates and tide times to get it pencilled in.”