Coronavirus: Fife’s Highland Games in doubt

The annual event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, June 6, but Games secretary Shane Fenton admits that he has “serious doubts” that it will go ahead.

He said: “I have been approached by a number of people asking the situation for not only Markinch Highland Games but the games in general regarding the situation with the coronavirus.

“Some are saying we should be sensible and call the games off, why take the risk of bringing the spread into our small Markinch community?

“Some citing that on the day there will be a crowd bigger than the population of the town including many foreign nationals. I think it’s a case at present of wait and see.”

Highland Games are also due to be held at Burntisland, Cupar, Ceres, Thornton, St Andrews and Inverkeithing this summer.

Mr Fenton added: “I’m getting in touch with the local authority in Fife to see if they have any guidelines as yet as to events such as Games held on parks under their jurisdiction.

“Highland Games attract big crowds including a large variety of overseas visitors from all over the world.

“I can’t see the local authorities taking the chance and allowing events taking place.

“At present I have doubts about any of the early local Highland Games, including Markinch, taking place.

“I hope that is not the case but risks can’t be taken.”