On Saturday 19 August, the Stirling Highland Games took place at Stirling Sports Village, attracting thousands of people from around the world. The day saw traditional highland games competitions, a trader’s village with over 40 producers and makers, and creative arts and exhibits.
Kathryn White, a former international women’s cricketer for Scotland, was welcomed back as the Games Chieftain and was joined by past Chieftains as well as Alan Simpson, the Lord Lieutenant of Stirling and Falkirk.
The Adaptive Heavyweights competition, supported by the HRFCA, was well contested by the Wounded Highlanders, and Scottish athlete Trish Lawson broke two World Records in the shot put and weight for distance category.
The Traders Village was popular and reported good sales. The Heavyweights competition was won by Kyle Randalls, who picked up The Specsavers Cup as the overall 2023 Heavyweights Champion.
The crowd cheered on the numerous track and field events, and Brodie Cowan won the 90m sprint in a time of 10.31 seconds. Tim Meadows set a new record in the ‘Bruce Challenge’, carrying two Scottish boulders weighing in at 164.5kg by walking 134.5m.
The Highland dancing competition was overseen by The Sutherland School of Dance and had over 200 entries. The day was concluded with Scotland’s First Minister, Humza Yousaf, presenting the Champion Tim with the Bruce Challenge Quaich.
The Stirling Highland Games committee was grateful for the athletes, volunteers, and funders who made the event possible. The 2024 event will take place on 17 August.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.