Dornoch Highland Games has been cancelled just two weeks before it was due to take place at Meadows Park, after the committee discovered significant financial irregularities in the organisation's accounts.
The long-established event, which had been scheduled for Friday 7 August, has been held almost every year since 1835, apart from the war years and one unfortunate rainy day. For a meeting with that kind of history, the decision is a major blow for organisers, competitors and the local community.
Why the decision was taken
Jimmy MacDonald said the cancellation followed the discovery of significant financial irregularities within the organisation's accounts. He added that, upon identifying those concerns, the committee commenced an internal review and then reported the matter to Police Scotland for further investigation.
The committee said: “This is due to circumstances outwith our control. We sincerely apologise for this disappointment.”
MacDonald said the issue is now the subject of a police investigation and that the committee cannot comment further at this time. He also thanked the community for its understanding and patience during what he described as a difficult period, and asked that the privacy of those involved be respected.
What this means for the event
Highland games are built around tradition as much as competition, with piping, Highland dancing, tossing the caber, putting the ball and throwing the hammer all forming part of the attraction. Dornoch also regularly draws competitors from Europe, the USA and Australia as well as the UK, so the cancellation will be felt well beyond the immediate area.
For now, the key question is not about the sporting programme but about the investigation and the integrity of the organisation behind it. With Police Scotland now involved, the event's immediate future will depend on what comes next in the review.
