Scottish sport revived at Inverness Highland Games.

The Inverness Highland Games is being staged at Northern Meeting Park on Saturday (July 20th) when a highlight will be the revival of one of Scotland’s oldest sporting contests topping the bill.

Inverness holds a unique position in Highland Games history being the first Games known to have staged a stone lifting competition. On Saturday, after an absence of 191 years, the 2013 Heavy competitors will be invited to attempt what only one of their counterparts in 1822 were able to achieve; launch a 252 pound (18 stone) stone over a bar suspended 5 foot above the ground.

Making a debut at this year’s Games will be Scottish Backhold Wrestling which is a hugely popular attraction around Scotland. Organised by the Forge Gym in association with the Scottish Backhold Wrestling Association, it is hoped to make Scottish Backhold Wrestling a regular feature at the Inverness Games from now on. This year’s competition will feature some of the top traditional wrestlers from Glasgow and Edinburgh together with wrestlers and mixed martial artists who are in Inverness for the Caledonia Combat event being held at Eden Court. A high standard of competition is expected at the Games among those taking part with the clash of techniques expected to produce some thrilling contests. 

The early part of the Gathering will be firmly focused on the younger members of the community before the seniors take to the field. The Games will start at the earlier time of 11am with Toddlers Races hosted by Spongebob and Friends followed by the start of a new Triathlon Style event for Junior Athletes and the opening rounds of the Highland Dancing competitions.

Following the arrival of Games Chieftain Provost Alex Graham, the Opening Ceremony will take place at 1pm and will feature one of the biggest Mass Highland Flings ever seen at the Inverness Games and the traditional playing of the Inverness Gathering. 

The afternoon programme will include a full programme of track and field events and a top quality programme of traditional Heavy events which this year will see the return of a class for female competitors.

The Gathering will also see the return of the very popular Highland Clan Exhibition which this year is being organised by the newly formed Association of Highland Clans and Societies. As well as organising the exhibition, the Association is working closely with the Games Committee as plans are drawn up for next year’s celebrations to mark the 150th Anniversary of the opening of Northern Meeting Park.

Musically the Games will feature a full programme of Traditional Music organised by Margo Maclennan of High Life Highland, together with performances throughout the day by the Inverness Legion Pipes and Drums Band and the Forres Pipes and Drums Band.

Piping fans will discover that the Piping Arena has been moved from Eden Court Theatre’s gardens to a specially constructed arena near to the Traders Village inside the Games site. The Inverness Piping Society are once again in charge of proceedings and the competitions will include separate March, Strathspey & Reel and Piobaireachd for both Juniors and Seniors; and a Hornpipe & Jig event for Senior competitors. Trophies have been kindly donated by Nicol Manson in memory of his late father, Donnie Manson (a great supporter of piping in the Highlands), Inverness Piping Society and Mrs Rona Lightfoot (President of Inverness Piping Society).

The Highland Games Market will feature over 50 stalls, many of them fundraising in support of local charities and community organisations, and will be enhanced by the inclusion of a number of rides for smaller children and other attractions.

Games Chieftain Provost of Inverness Alex Graham said: “The Highland Games Committee are to be congratulated for having created such an interesting programme for everybody to enjoy, and I think that the changes that have been made and the attractions that have been added will be really well received. I am looking forward to welcoming the thousands of local performers, spectators and overseas visitors who will be joining us.”

Tickets cost £8 Adults and £4 for Seniors and Under 18’s. Tickets go on sale at Inverness Town House from 9am and Northern Meeting Park from 10am. Under 5’s are admitted free of charge.