Mey Highland Games 2020 cancelled
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THE Mey Highland Games, which would have marked its 50th anniversary this year, has been cancelled for 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The games committee issued a statement today expressing its "great sadness" at having to make the decision.
The statement said: "It is with regret that we are announcing the cancellation of the 2020 Mey Highland Games. The committee has taken this decision following careful consideration of the current pandemic and government guidelines.
"Although the games were not scheduled to take place until August 1, given that our event involves international travel and large crowds we feel the most responsible decision is to cancel.
"We do so with great sadness, especially given that 2020 is our 50th anniversary year.
"However, we take heart from the fact that we have already lined up some wonderful new additions for an extra-special Mey Highland Games and we now have an additional year to make the 2021 event the best ever.
"Thank you to everyone who supports the games and particular warm wishes to our chieftain, HRH Prince Charles, who we are relieved to hear has now recovered from Covid-19."
The statement signed off by saying the committee looked forward to warmly welcoming its competitors, traders, performers and guests next year and "until then, do stay safe".
Committee member and popular compere Willie Mackay pointed out that it is not the first time the gathering has been cancelled.
He said: "Only a few years ago, because of the waterlogged field outside the village of Mey, which was the venue for generations, the cancellation led to moving the games to its new home in John O'Groats."
Mr Mackay, a councillor for Wick and East Caithness, went on: "Last year's games was one of the most memorable ever for the record thousands that turned up.
"A considerable amount of work went into its organising. The day weather-wise was unbelievable with a non-stop seven hours of attractions in the games ring and around the park.
"It was the longest spell of outdoor commentary I have ever undertaken in the 20 years of attending local summer events."
Councillor Mackay said it was particularly memorable memorable to witness "the support every Invictus athlete was giving to each other at every discipline they took part in".
He added: "The rousing encouragement these male and female competitors got from the excited spectators was so special.
"Plans for this year's games were well in hand by an enthusiastic committee that I am proud to be part of.
"Enquiries from Invictus athletes had doubled and, with the reassurance of assistance from Scottish Highland Games Association president Charlie Murray, this year's 50th anniversary games would have raised the bar and reached new heights."
He added: "The 50th anniversary games will be on hold and we all look forward to renewing friendships in 2021."
