Thornton Highland Games now only Fife survivor....but that's likely to change

The summer Highland games season in Fife is almost certain to be wiped out for a second successive year due to the uncertainty of the Covid-19 restrictions.
The games in Thornton remains the only event in Fife still scheduled....but that is likely to change. Stock image by FPAThe games in Thornton remains the only event in Fife still scheduled....but that is likely to change. Stock image by FPA
The games in Thornton remains the only event in Fife still scheduled....but that is likely to change. Stock image by FPA

Inverkeithing this week became latest to announce their event is to be cancelled.

Chairman Rod Ruzzak said: ''I am sad to report, that following a committee meeting we have reluctantly agreed to cancel this year’s Inverkeithing Highland Games, which were scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 7.

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''The committee considered many potential options, but all would incur significant costs and losses that would put the long-term future of the games at risk.

"We know this will be disappointing news for everyone, but we hope you will support us again in 2022 when we hope we will be able to all meet again and enjoy the games.''

The local games in Thornton is now the only Fife event yet to make a decision but it is almost inevitable they they will join Markinch, Cupar Ceres, Burntisland, St Andrews and Inverkeithing who have all already pulled the plug.

It is a similar scenario all over Scotland with 50 of the 61 members of the Scottish Highland Games Association now cancelled.

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Despite the restrictions easing there are still too many uncertainties.

Most games take place in public parks and open spaces which makes trying to manage restricted and socially distanced crowds almost impossible.

Last year the entire calendar was wiped out as the nation coped with the pandemic.

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