The prestigious piping competitions held annually at Portree on Skye have been cancelled for the second year in a row. The competitions are traditionally held in the first week of August. Events affected are the Dunvegan Medal and Clasp plus the light music.
Piping convenor Cameron MacFadyen: ‘Yes, the games have been cancelled and the piping also. I felt that the cancellation decision had perhaps been made slightly early but there were other administrative reasons which forced the issue necessitating a decision before too much expense was incurred.
‘Even if, as we all hope, the virus precautions are relaxed by early August, advice was received suggesting that we would be limited to a much reduced gate to ensure adequate physical room on the field for social distancing.
‘The numbers that were mooted would make it impossible to run a financially viable event, and without the support of the games’ revenue the piping is not viable its own. We are all very disappointed.’
Yesterday it was announced that Inveraray Games, usually held mid-July, had also been cancelled. Most games in May and June are unlikely to go ahead, the Scottish Games Association has indicated.