Burntisland Games joins increasing postponed list

Mirroring this time 12 months ago, Fife’s Highland Games are falling like dominoes.
The Burntisland Games won't be held again this year it has been confirmed. Pic by FPAThe Burntisland Games won't be held again this year it has been confirmed. Pic by FPA
The Burntisland Games won't be held again this year it has been confirmed. Pic by FPA

Organisers of both the Markinch and Ceres Highland Games confirmed their events would not take place in 2021 earlier in the week.

Sadly their announcements have been followed just a few days later by the news that those behind the Burntisland Highland Games have followed suit.

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Last year, due to the pandemic, the entire games circuit across Scotland was wiped out and there is now a realistic possibility the same will happen in 2021.

In a brief statement, the Burntisland games organisers said: “It is with regret that the Burntisland Highland Games of 2021 is now cancelled.

"Apart from the world wars, not including weather, this is only the second time it has not been held since 1652.

"The committee will however continue to work towards next year and hope to see you all there.

"Stay safe.”

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The games themselves always attract massive crowds to enjoy the entertainment on show which includes various athletics events.

Stalls and other attractions also appear and, sadly, the easing out of lockdown has come just too soon for all of this to happen safely.

In north east Fife, Cupar made an early decision to halt the organising of their games in February.

Speaking earlier this week, Markinch Games secretary, Shane Fenton, said: “Despite the vaccine roll-out, the restrictions on social distancing and gatherings are expected to be in place for a long time yet and will almost certainly be among the last to be relaxed.

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"Games held under such restrictions in public parks wouldn't work, they would be neither viable or manageable.

"There will also be little chance of overseas visitors at events such as Highland Games this year either due to the travel restrictions.

“The pipe band world has also been badly affected and there are expected to be little or no competitions held this summer. This also affects us at Markinch as we annually stage the oldest contest in Scotland and it is always one of the feature event at our games."

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