Public invited to send in film clips after cancellation of 2021 Mey Highland Games
An appeal has gone out for film clips from Mey Highland Games of the past following the decision to postpone the event for a second successive year.
The trustees of the games announced that the popular gathering won't go ahead this summer because of the continuing uncertainty over Covid-19.
They are now appealing for members of the public to dig out any footage they may have so that it can be used in an online film celebrating the 50-year history of the event.
The games, normally held in August at John O’Groats, have been a regular favourite on the Caithness calendar but this is the second year in a row the event has had to be cancelled.
Instead, there will be a film to celebrate the games made from clips collated from previous events that will run on the day. There will also be a glimpse of what is to come next year when the trustees hope to run the biggest games yet in celebration of the 50th anniversary year.
A bespoke tartan has been produced, while award-winning Caithness accordionist Brandon McPhee has been commissioned to write a 50th anniversary tune.
The Tanya Horne dancers will be recording a special performance and there will be appearances from past competitors and artistes, all compered by Highland councillor Willie Mackay.
The chairman of the games, Councillor Andrew Sinclair, said: “Obviously we are disappointed that we have had to postpone the games this year but we felt it was the best course of action as we are still uncertain how life will look in August.
"We hope to be back again next year, bigger and better than ever. I would like to thank everyone for their understanding and look forward to seeing you all for our 50th anniversary.”
Trustee Tom Barnes, of Lyth Arts Centre, said: "We are asking people to search their archives, their phones and anywhere else footage of the games may be stored. We're interested in seeing everything and anything – the games themselves, piping, dancing, the dog show, you name it.
"We will collate everything sent to us and curate a special celebratory film that will be streamed online on Saturday, August 7, when the games would otherwise have taken place."
Members of the public are being invited to send their footage to www.lytharts.org.uk/mey-games-film by Friday, June 18.
