Stirling’s social enterprise, Ceangail, is gearing up to celebrate Social Enterprise Day on November 21st by highlighting the success of the past year and announcing exciting plans for the future. The organization, best known for organizing the Stirling Highland Games, uses funds from the event, along with grants and public donations, to support vocational training for young adults aged 16 and up.
According to Matt McGrandles, Executive Director of Ceangail CIC, “This year has been a fantastic success for Ceangail, with record attendance and significant economic impact for Stirling. We’re incredibly proud to celebrate Social Enterprise Day with our community and share our vision for a new, permanent home for the Stirling Highland Games. Our mission to inspire and support young people is at the heart of what we do, and the new Burgh Meadows Sports Ground will help create a lasting legacy for future generations.”
Since taking on the Stirling Highland Games in 2014, Ceangail has made a significant impact across various sectors, including their social mission. Social Enterprise Day serves as a platform for them to celebrate their accomplishments to date, which include:
– £368,153 investment in projects from sponsorship, grants, and fundraising
– 40,398 visitors to the Games over the years, with attendance increasing annually to reach over 6,500 in 2024.
– £3,933,533 economic impact, generating income for the Stirling economy
– 162 young people trained with skills to help them find employment
– 494 volunteers, supporting the Highland Games through CPD
Douglas Westwater, CEO of Community Enterprise and Social Enterprise Scotland, spoke highly of the organization, saying, “We at Community Enterprise and Social Enterprise Scotland have been aware of the work of Stirling Highland Games and Ceangail for some years. It is an impressive example of not only innovative place-based enterprise but also tenacity in the face of challenging times. It is a model of public-facing enterprise that can be replicated across Scotland.”
The Stirling Highland Games are held at Stirling Sports Village, known locally as the games field, offering breathtaking views of the National Wallace Monument, Cambuskenneth Abbey, and Stirling Castle. Ceangail is committed to ensuring the Games continue to thrive and is now planning for a permanent home with better facilities.
Ceangail has set its sights on the Borrowmeadow Farmstead land, currently unutilized brownfield land owned by Stirling Council, as the ideal site for the social enterprise to grow and expand its delivery. The proposed Burgh Meadows development includes the Burgh Meadows Sports Ground, a versatile space designed for events such as the Stirling Highland Games and other sporting activities and community events, with a maximum capacity of 10,000 visitors.
Jim Bennett, social enterprise specialist and consultant, praised the organization’s plans, stating, “The Stirling Highland Games is a highlight of the annual events calendar, bringing enjoyment to locals and visitors alike and providing a boost to the local economy. It’s a true example of social enterprise in action, helping fund Ceangail’s invaluable work supporting young people. Their plans for a community-owned events space will ensure a bright future for both Ceangail and the Stirling Highland Games.”
Ceangail’s ambitious 10-year plan outlines the development in stages:
– Stage 1: Community Asset Transfer from Stirling Council to establish the sports ground.
– Stage 2: Building a community pavilion with facilities for sports on the ground floor and spaces for community activities and vocational training on the upper floor.
– Stage 3: Restoring the historic Laird’s House, transforming it into the Burgh Meadow Heritage Centre to include a heritage wall on the ground floor.
This proposed community wealth-building development will boost sports, culture, and heritage in Stirling. It would ensure the future of the Stirling Highland Games, whose current site suffers from a lack of investment for a safe sports field with drainage, access, and facilities improvements required to meet future growth.
Craig, a 17-year-old school leaver, shared his experience with Ceangail’s vocational training program, saying, “The training was way different than what I was expecting. I liked that we were included in all the discussions about the essential skills needed by employers, which made me feel comfortable talking in the group. The event [Stirling Highland Games] was much larger than I thought, and everyone was very busy, but this practical experience and working with the group was way better than others we have been part of.”
Ceangail is seeking support from local businesses and the community to bring these ambitious plans to life. They encourage anyone interested in contributing to their social mission or learning more about the Burgh Meadows vision to email office@ceangail.org or visit www.burghmeadows.scot. Additionally, tickets for the 2025 Stirling Highland Games event can be purchased at www.stirlinghigh
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.