Stirling Highland Games Secures New Sponsors to keep International Gathering Alive
The Stirling Highland Games is set to return this year on Saturday 17th August with support from 2 new sponsors joining their loyal long-term Supporter, Specsavers Stirling.
Article Source: Stirling Highland Games
Last Updated: 28 May 2024 9:58
The Stirling Highland Games, a historic and much-anticipated annual event celebrating Scottish culture, is set to return this year on Saturday 17th August with support from 2 new sponsors joining their loyal long-term Supporter, Specsavers Stirling. The Highland Games, renowned for its traditional competitions, busy Traders Village and engaging creative arts offering, will be bolstered by a new Adaptive Heavyweights supporter and Track & Field Supporter, ensuring prize funds are covered and planned activities can go ahead.
Support from Leading Companies
Among the funders stepping in to support the Stirling Highland Games this year are Specsavers Stirling, Anatomical Concepts, and Kings Park Hospital. These organisations, recognized for their commitment to community engagement, are providing essential funding and resources that will allow organisers Ceangail, to continue delivering their event plans. Matt McGrandles, Ceangail’s Executive Director said, “I am delighted to welcome both Anatomical Concepts and Kings Park Hospital on board as Supporters of the event this year. This level of support provides the backbone of event funding and through this collaboration, it will allow us to continue delivering these competitions and the many benefits the event brings to the city.”
Anatomical Concepts attended the event in 2022 to see the para-athletes compete in the Adaptive Heavyweights events. When the opportunity to become a Supporter came up, they jumped at the chance to get involved. Their support over these next few years will allow the competition to build on its success. Anatomical Concepts UK Director Carolyn Jones pointed out, “we are proud to support Stirling Highland Games, and particularly the Adaptive Heavyweights Competition. We believe the best work happens when people work together, and SHG is an excellent example of dedicated partners coming together to build excellence in culture, competition and community.”
Carolyn went on to compliment the highland games outlook on inclusion by saying, “The Adaptive Heavyweights is a unique event in the Highland Games calendar, and we want to raise the profile of the sport and the of athletes competing. Over the next few years of our partnership, we hope to increase the number of competitors and attract more spectators to the event so the games committee can continue to provide the same level of competition and prizes as athletes without a disability.”
Kings Park Hospital a keen supporter of Stirling events is sponsoring the Track & Field competition, one of several competitions at the Games. Their contribution will ensure the competition goes ahead with entries expected from top athletes across Scotland. "We are delighted to be supporting Ceangail and the Stirling Highland Games this summer,” said Kings Park Hospital’s Executive Director, Elizabeth MacLeod. “It’s great to engage with the local community through this much-loved event, and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone having a great day!"
Building the Highland Games Experience
The sponsorship from these companies will ease some of the financial burden Ceangail is experiencing as the deliverer of the event. The social enterprise, whose mission is to inspire young people into tourism through its skills connect academy, brings together vocational training for groups of young people and practical learning. With more event suppliers increasing their hire fees, the not for profit will need to be creative on what it can deliver on its budget whilst still providing Stirling with a professional outdoor sporting event. Visitors can look forward to a well-organised event with the usual broad range of competitions, on site traders and creative arts however Executive Director Matt McGrandles explains that some hard decisions will need to be made in the not-so-distant future. “There is no question that small events are feeling it this year with most suppliers increasing their costs. I think we have seen 4 other highland games fold because of lack of financial security. I think highland Games are caught between a rock and hard place as the event can’t continue to pass on these increased costs to customers through ticket sales. Decisions will need to be made at some point soon about this year’s scheduling, so I can’t thank our current Supporters and Friends enough for seeing the vision we have for the event and getting behind it, but we do need more support.”
Since the pandemic supplier hire fees have rocketed and this year sees a 10-year partnership with Active Stirling ripped up and a hefty £1700 bill to hire the field in its place. “I was certainly disappointed to be told that the Active Stirling Board and Senior Managers at Stirling Council decided this was the right approach. All reasoning has fallen on deaf ears to date, so we did have to increase our entry ticket price slightly to try and cover their costs.”
Community Impact and Future Prospects
The generous support from Specsavers Stirling, Anatomical Concepts, and Kings Park Hospital will allow these competitions to continue with the event having a positive impact on the Stirling community. This year should see a skills connect programme delivered for a group of 20 young people; attract over 300 athletes to compete; place over 5000 visitors in front of up to 50 small business traders; generate over £600,000 for the local economy; and encourage more youngsters to give sport a go in the Community Area if a new sponsor can be found.
Specsavers Stirling have been a Supporter of the Heavyweights competition since 2014 and can share in the many success stories the event brings to the city centre. Matt, who works closely with the Director’s outlines, “Pauline and Julie just get it. They understand that by supporting us, the impact our event has on the city, every year, is a good cause that’s worthwhile getting behind. It’s not just about their business, it’s not just about the event, it’s about all the additional benefits that visitors to the city brings including stay and spend. We are extremely lucky to have such loyal supporters that share our vision for Stirling.”
Join Us at the Stirling Highland Games
The Stirling Highland Games invites everyone to visit Scotland, explore Stirling and experience this International Gathering with its unique blend of tradition and culture. Mark your calendars for Saturday 17th August and come celebrate Scotland’s heritage! The more ticket sales, the better the outlook for both Ceangail and the Stirling Highland Games event in the future.
For more information about the Stirling Highland Games, ticket purchases, and event schedules, please visit www.stirlinghighlandgames.com or contact the Organisers at office@ceagnail.org for more
Sponsored Links
Latest Stirling News
Stirling Photography Festival goes Beyond with exhibitions across Stirlingshire
The Stirling Photography Festival is proud to announce the launch of a series of exhibitions in rural Stirling as part of their 2025 programme.
READ MORE
Stirling marks 30th Anniversary of Braveheart
Braveheart continues to be a huge draw for visitors to Scotland as Stirling prepares to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Oscar-winning epic.
READ MORE
Best Croissant Competition returns for 2025
The Edinburgh Butter Company has announced the return of its ‘Scotland’s Best Croissant’ competition on Monday 13th October.
READ MORE
New Forth Valley Five Campaign Launches to Champion Local Food and Drink
Businesses across Stirling and beyond are being invited to take the ‘Forth Valley Five’ pledge: a bold new initiative designed to celebrate local food and drink and boost community wealth.
READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland launches Talking About Heritage
People across Scotland invited to take part in national conversation about heritage.
READ MORE
Clans @ The Croft team mountain bike enduro event returns
A multiple Clan skirmish of epic proportions is on the cards again for mountain bike Enduro riders when Clans @ The Croft, the first team event on the UK's Enduro calendar, returns to Creiff.
READ MORE
Tickets now on sale for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo closes the drawbridge on its 75th anniversary Show, as tickets for next year go on sale.
READ MORE
Call for sites and ideas for new Local Development Plan in Stirling
Residents, community groups and other key stakeholders will have the opportunity to shape Stirling’s future as the consultation on the area’s new Local Development Plan enters crucial new phase.
READ MORE
Primark celebrates 50 years in Scotland with a wee nod to loyal Scots in all stores today
Scottish shoppers will hardly believe it when they see it today as Primark finally relents on one of its biggest brand debates after 50 years.
READ MORE
Christmas at Crieff Hydro returns with magical line up of festive activities
Scotland's best loved family resort, Crieff Hydro, has unveiled details of a specially curated programme of events as it prepares to welcome guests over the festive period.
READ MORE
Scots Language Awards 2025 shortlist unveiled
The shortlist for the Scots Language Awards 2025 has been unveiled, with figures from Scottish literature, theatre, education and business all in the running for awards at the annual ceremony.
READ MORE
Innis & Gunn wins double gold at the World Beer Awards 2025
Innis & Gunn has claimed double gold on the global stage, winning best in Scotland for the second year running at the World Beer Awards.
READ MORE
Santa Claus is coming to Dobbies
From exciting encounters with Santa himself to hands-on workshops and joyful family moments, Dobbies is the destination for festive fun this Christmas!
READ MORE
Singalong screening of K Pop Demon Hunters heading to Vue venues in Scotland, with tickets on sale now
One of the most-watched films on Netflix is heading to Vue next weekend for a special sing-along event – with tickets on sale now!
READ MORE
Free September gardening workshops at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is inspiring gardeners across Scotland this September with two free-to-attend gardening workshops, Little Seedlings Club and Grow How, suitable for all ages and abilities.
READ MORE
Finalists announced for Scottish Bar & Pubs Awards 2025
Lights, Pints, Action! Scotland's pubs go for gold at the hospitality industry's very own oscars.
READ MORE
Cereal giant to support STV Childrens Appeal campaign to fund breakfast clubs in Scottish schools
Stronger Together: Kellogg's pledges pound-for-pound match for Big Scottish Breakfast Fundraiser.
READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Motorhome, Caravan & Holiday Home Show
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORE
Session schedule unveiled for Glasgow 2026
With packed venues and 30 medal sessions across 50 sport sessions, it's shaping up to be one of the most electric weekends in Glasgow's sporting history!
READ MORE
Scots Language Awards on hunt for nominees
The Scots Language Awards are now welcoming nominations for this year’s celebration of Scots.
READ MORE
Dobbies unveils spellbinding lineup of Autumn events
This October and November, Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to its trio of enchanting autumn events that are lined up across the country, helping kick-start the season.
READ MORE
Five fascinating historic facts about Scone Palace... the crowning place of kings
Scone Palace isn't just a beautiful day out, it's one of Scotland's most iconic historic sites, steeped in royal tradition, political intrigue and centuries of national significance.
READ MORE
Sam Ryder puts live music on tap with the Biggest Pub Gig Ever
Greene King Pubs has appointed Sam Ryder as its 'Head of Gigs' in a bid to get the UK rocking, by increasing access to live music and finding the country's best grassroots talent this summer.
READ MORE
The Sweetest Berry Spots in Scotland this Summer
For those looking for something to fill their summer days, couples, kids, and everyone in between, these spots are perfect for picking Scotland’s most delicious berries.
READ MORE
Record visitor numbers for Stirling area as new tourism campaign launches
New figures show visitor numbers to Stirling surged by more than 10% in 2024 compared to the previous year, generating a total economic impact of £712.4 million for the region.
READ MORE
Common Tongue returns to Scottish stages with autumn tour
Common Tongue by Fraser Scott is to tour Scotland this autumn with a fourteen date tour in September and October.
READ MORE
Foodies Festival, the biggest touring celebrity food & music festival in the UK, returns to Scotland next month
The UK's biggest touring celebrity food & music festival celebrates its 20th year - announcing star-studded line-ups and exciting new features in Edinburgh and Glasgow!
READ MORE
Assembly Festival relaunches Local Residents Ticket Offer
Fringe Tickets for Just £6.50: Assembly Festival re-launches Local Residents Ticket Offer for EH, FK, G, KY, ML & DG postcodes.
READ MORE
Grow Your Own flowers, fruits, and veg at Dobbies Garden Centres
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Grow Your Own workshop this August, where attendees will learn top tips for growing fruit, vegetables and flowers at home.
READ MORE
Jazz legend sets the tone as the vibrant music scene in Stirling continues to thrive
Stirling's vibrant cultural and music scene is continuing to thrive with the launch of a new piano lounge in the historic Golden Lion Hotel.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links