Halkirk Games back on track for first time in three years after cancellation in 2021 and 2020 due to the coronavirus
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The Halkirk Highland Games will be held this summer for the first time in three years after being cancelled in 2021 and 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The reaction to the news from the public has been "very positive" according to games chairman Iain Mackenzie, who is delighted the event – one of the most prominent on the north circuit – is back.
"It is a bit scary holding the games for the first time in three years but it is a good feeling too. Now is the time to go ahead with the games again and I am confident we will get a pretty good crowd although a lot will depend, as always, on the weather. I think people will want to have a day out," said Mr Mackenzie.
He pointed out that the total prize money on offer will be £28,000 while three Scottish Championship medals will be on offer in the 16lb and 22lb hammers and the 800 metre cycle event.
"The reaction so far has been very positive. We will keep to the general format this year as it is out first year back since 2019, " said Mr Mackenzie, who is hoping to attract the usual number of heavy, track and field, cycling and other competitors to the games.
He also pointed out that the Wick and Thurso Pipe Bands will be playing at the event while admission fees will be unchanged.
Mr Mackenzie explained that it was decided to go ahead with the games this year at a meeting in February. "There are no issues with holding the event this year. We are in a very much different situation now. Most of the restrictions have been lifted, most of the population has been vaccinated so it should be business as normal although we will have hand sanitising stations around the field and ensure the safety of the public," he said.
The Halkirk Games was reported to have first taken place in September 1886 in a field adjoining the then new Gerston Distillery. Their cancellation in 2020 and 2021 was the first time that happened during peacetime in 134 years.
The games is the premiere sporting event in the north and attracts the country’s best amateur and professional competitors as well as visitors from overseas. There is additional prize money available for breaking ground and national and world records in the heavy events and in some of the other categories, including track and field.
However, the event, which will be held on Saturday, July 30, will be tinged with sadness following the death earlier this year of games stalwart and long-serving treasurer, Neen Banks.
"Neen was such a character and will be hugely missed. He was our treasurer since the late 1970s and put us in a financially secure position. Although he had a problem with his health over the last few years he was always interested in the games and always willing to come forward with ideas. Neen will be a sad loss," added Mr Mackenzie.
