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Balloch Highland Games cancelled after council imposes more budget cuts

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Free pictures on behalf of West Dunbartonshire council. 2019 Loch Lomond Highland games at the Moss O' Balloch. A record number of visitors turned out to watch the popular annual Loch Lomond Highland Games at Balloch today. More than 9,000 visitors attended the event, in Moss O’Balloch Park, for a range of traditional highland game competitions including cycling, running, hammer throwing and heavy weights and the traditional tossing of the caber and tug-of-war. Dancers entertained the crowds by performing traditional highland dances with their immaculate costumes and perfect hair, and spectators enjoyed music from Helensburgh Clan Colquhoun and Tulliallan pipes and drums. The popular games welcomed visitors from as far afield as Germany and Canada who travelled to Scotland to enjoy the traditional Scottish games and was broadcasted to millions of viewers in China watching Chinese travel programme ‘Zhu’s life in Britain’. Aynsley Gouck, Assistant Director of Niagra Highland Dance Academy, said “We are over from Ontario Canada and we are attending four Highland Games during our visit. We love Balloch it’s a beautiful area of Scotland and we’ve been looking forward to our visit. The Highland Dancing competition is very well organised and the girls are very honoured to be dancing in Scotland.” German friends Tina and Arthur Helbig and Kirsten and Volber Rademacher, said: “We are in Scotland for 10 days and although we’re not staying in Balloch we couldn’t miss this event. It’s a great to see all the smart girls in their beautiful Highland dress and hear the pipe band. We are very excited to be here today.” West Dunbartonshire Council leader Jonathan McColl, said: "This year’s event was a fantastic day and helped by the wonderful weather. Well done to all the competitors for putting on a great show and thanks to the spectators for encouraging the athletes and putting on a great show. It’s always lovely to meet visitors who have travelled around the world to attend this great event. I am proud of our Scottish heritage and the Games are a great way for tourists and visitors to get a true taste of Scotland. Well done to the Games’ committee, West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust and West Dunbartonshire Council on organising yet another hugely successful event.” The Chieftain of the Loch Lomond Highland Games, Major James Macrae said: "I am delighted with this year’s event which has been a great success and has been very well attended. We’ve been really fortunate with the weather the last two years and we are grateful to the thousands who came along, which is great testament to everyone involved in organising the Games. Over the years, the games have attracted contestants and spectators from home and abroad every year and I would like to thank everyone who played their part in making this year’s games a huge success. On behalf of the committee, I would like to thank our contestants and sponsors, in particular West Dunbartonshire Council and West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust, for their continued support." For a full round up of results please visit Loch Lomond High Games website at www.llhgb.com Copyright photo by Paul Chappells, 07774730898 www.paulphoto.co.uk

Fine family day at the Balloch Loch Lomond Highland Games.

By Lucy Ashton

The Balloch Highland Games have been cancelled after funding was withdrawn by the local authority.

Organisers made the decision after a recent announcement from West Dunbartonshire Council.

In a statement, they said it was with “great disappointment” they were calling off the event after it lost £14,000 of support.

A council spokesperson said the step was taken to help close a £17 million budget shortfall.

In a social media post, event organisers described the decision as “difficult”.

They said: “The recent announcement from West Dunbartonshire Council regarding funding cuts, affected our budget significantly to hold the games this year.

“Although this is disappointing, we are now planning and looking to secure additional funding to bring back the Highland Games in 2025.”

The annual event takes place each year at Moss O’ Balloch Park and showcases a range of traditional Highland sports.

Launched in 1967, the games attract more than 9,000 people from around the world each year.

The event, which was due to take place on 13 July, is not a council event but has been supported by the local authority in the past.

Although it was their own decision, West Dunbartonshire Council puzzlingly said it was sorry to hear the event would not be going ahead.

A spokesperson said: “The council is facing a significant financial challenge and had to take steps to close a £17 million budget gap while protecting essential services and jobs.

“Event organisers are aware that the decision to withdraw grant funding did not alter the council’s other support to the event including infrastructure, facilities and staffing and they have been signposted to support to obtain external funding or sponsorship.”

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