Scottish Highland Games Association

Newburgh Games Looks Set to Return

If a report in a recent edition of the Courier is correct then Newburgh Highland Games which has been cancelled for the past 4 years look all set to return this year. It's now up to competitors and spectators alike to support the efforts of the Newburgh committee and their volunteers to ensure the 3rd Saturday in June once again becomes a regular fixture on the Games calender. Apart from Old Meldrum in the North no other Highland or Border Games takes place on the 20th June. Below is a copy of the Courier article

Community gets behind Highland games' return.

ORGANISERS OF the historic Newburgh Highland Games which has been cancelled for the last four years, are determined to resurrect the event this year.

Volunteers are being sought to help make the games, which have played a key part in the town for more than a century a huge success.

Chairwoman Jean Williamson said:''The decision was taken by members at our recent annual general meeting to resurrect the games, which have not taken place since 2010 for a variety of reasons.

'' They were cancelled in 2011,2012 and 2013 due to bad weather or water-logged conditions and then in 2014 a lack of volunteers to organise and host the games led to cancellation for the fourth year running.''

Faced with losing the games forever, committee members issued a plea for help which has proved successful, indicating community spirit is well and truly alive in the town.

''Our recent AGM in the local Tayside Community Centre was very well attended and others have voiced support via the town's Facebook pages,'' Jean added.

''We have around 20 volunteers already and we are delighted at the way local people have got behind the gamesafter the disappointment of the last four years.

''These events take a lot of organising and it's brilliant that so many people have pledged to support the event.

''It has been the centrepiece in the community calender for generations and we hope that the committee's decision to resurrect the games is a sign that they will continue for many many years to come.''

The event has been scheduled for June 20 in Robbie's Park, Scotland Terrace and will feature all the traditional games and races, as well as some new attractions.

Anyone who would like to volunteer to help should contact committee secretary Evelyn Ferrans by emailing evelyn.ferrans@btinternet.com.

Author: Shane Fenton

Published: 2015-05-08 20:44:58