Published 11 July 2022
Loch Lomond Highland Games is back after two years and these dancers are springing into step.
Fraya MacEachan (8), Isla Gordon (7), Daniel MacEachan (8), Alice MacBeth (6) and Emily Coll (5) are putting their best foot forward for this year’s Highland Games hosted at the Moss O’ Balloch Park.
The five from Sandra Lees School of Dance are among more than 350 competitors who will descend on Balloch for the games on 16 July.
The event is one of the top competitions in Scotland and has a prize pot of around £12,000 up for grabs.
And people come from all over the world to take part – with past competitors travelling from Australia and New Zealand.
Spectators can expect a great show with a host of different events including running, cycling, wrestling, jumping and the tug of war.
But the highlight will no doubt be the Scottish Highland Games Association World Heavyweight Championship – including caber, hammer, ball and weight – and the highland dancing competition.
Provost Douglas McAllister, said “Having had to cancel the last two years, it’s terrific to see the Loch Lomond Highland Games return, and I have no doubt that this year will be a fantastic day out for all the family. I'm sure everyone - whether they are visitors, observers, or competitors - will have a great time.
It's crucial that we continue to support our culture and preserve these traditional Scottish sports.”
The Secretary of the Loch Lomond Highland Games Committee, Allan Jones added: “We are really looking forward to seeing everyone back again this year, we welcome participants, spectators, and tourists from all over the world. We are thrilled to be hosting the games this year in collaboration with West Dunbartonshire Council, who supports us carrying our event.”
Sandra Lees, the children’s dance teacher said, “We’re looking forward to participating in our local Highland Games and its fantastic its back! The children have worked incredibly hard during lock down restrictions, attended online dance classes and practiced in local car parks and they’re so excited to join in the festivities at the highland games”.
Outside the main arena, spectators will find a variety of trade stalls selling a range of modern and traditional goods, food and drink.
The event will close with a mass pipe band march through the main street in Balloch offering a dramatic end to what promises to be a wonderful event.
Visitors should adhere to parking restrictions in and around the venue in Balloch and follow advice from the stewards.
The event is on from 9am-5pm and tickets cost £7 for adults, £4 for children and over 60s, with a family ticket costing £17 (2 adults and up to 3 children).