`PLANT A TREE’ INITIATIVE FOR STIRLING HIGHLAND GAMES

Visitors to this year’s Stirling Highland Games are being asked to `plant a tree’ and help breathe new life into Scotland’s native woodlands.

The team behind the annual event are backing the Trees for Life initiative which aims to revive Highland forests through practical rewilding.

They are encouraging visitors, athletes, suppliers, traders and other stakeholders involved with the Games to contribute £6 to plant a tree.

Stirling Highland Games President Matt McGrandles said: “When it comes to the environment, we all need to play our part and do what we can to reduce our carbon footprint.

“We are trying to make it easy for everyone involved with the Games to help us offset the event and lower the carbon emissions.

“It’s an opportunity for us all to stand up and be counted and as far as I know we are the only Highland Games which is doing this.

“Hopefully, people will think it’s an innovative idea and be happy to get involved with the campaign and be part of the bigger picture.”

Stirling Highland Games takes place on Saturday, August 20 and is run by social enterprise Ceangail CIC.

As part of its environmental aims, Ceangail has partnered with Trees for Life and is offering everyone attending the organisation’s events the chance to plant a tree in the Ceangail grove.

Every tree planted will help secure Trees for Life’s vision of a revitalised wild forest in the Highlands which will provide space for wildlife to flourish.

Mr McGrandles said: “Often when people buy tickets for an event, they now look behind the scenes as to what the events company is doing for the community.

“Stirling Highland Games has provided a transformational experience for young people since 2014 and by adding an environmental mission too, everyone now has the chance to be part of an important long-term initiative.”

Anyone interested in planting a tree in the Ceangail grove can find out more here - businesses who want to support the Games and help keep the traditional event alive are invited to become a Friend of Stirling Highland Games in return for a financial donation.

Mr McGrandles said: “We’re anticipating a fantastic day as we return to our traditional live event in August - but we really do need as much support as possible from local businesses so we can continue to provide an outstanding Games and build on our successes each year.

“If anyone can help by becoming a Friend of Stirling Highland Games, please get in touch for more information about what’s involved.”

More details are also available on the website - Highland Games runs from 10.30 am until 5:00 pm on Saturday, August 20 and tickets can be bought in advance now or on the day.

It will be the first in-person event since 2019 and this year’s Chieftain is Stirling-born rugby star Ali McGrandles.

The packed schedule includes traditional and adaptive heavyweight competitions, a Tug of War, highland dancing, on-site heritage tours, children’s activities and a food and drink experience showcasing award-winning Scottish produce.

The 2022 Games also features performances from Stirling Gaelic Choir and local pipe band, The Balaklava Pipes and Drums, who are affiliated with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Association.

The event is sponsored and grant-funded by a variety of organisations including Active Stirling, EventScotland, Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce, Specsavers Stirling and the Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association.

For more details on the Games and to book tickets, visit www.stirlinghighlandgames.com