Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, has raised the possibility of a Highland Games being organised to coincide with the 2014 Commonwealth Games in the Scottish Parliament today.

Dave has already written to the Highland Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to promote the idea, which could either see several small events scheduled in parallel with the Commonwealth Games, or one large Highland Games organised. He has also copied the letter to Shona Robison, Minister for the Commonwealth Games.

Commenting on this, Dave said: "2014 offers us a brilliant opportunity to promote not only the city of Glasgow but all of Scotland. In a summer when we will be celebrating one of the greatest sporting events and some of the top athletes in the world coming to our county, it would seem like an ideal opportunity to celebrate the Highland Games, a unique part of Scotland's sporting history and one of the most internationally recognisable symbols of Scotland.

It will be great to see events such as tossing the caber, the tug of war and other Highland heavy events juxtaposed with the more traditional events in the Commonwealth Games.

The Highland games are well known internationally, with games taking place across North America and as far afield as Australia.

I was encouraged by the Minister's reply, and hope that we can work constructively with all interested parties to progress this initiative."

Note:

Text of Dave's question and the Minister's response:

Dave Thompson (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP): Will the minister support proposals to have a 2014 Commonwealth highland games linked with the Commonwealth games? That will not only boost highland games, but will promote all of Scotland as a great place to visit.

Michael Matheson: It is my understanding that the Commonwealth Games Federation does not permit the staging of exhibit sports as part of the Commonwealth games. However, we have a long highland games tradition and given that 2014 is also the year of homecoming I have no doubt that various organisations will wish to look at the possibility of hosting a major highland games event in that year. I encourage Dave Thompson and parties that are interested in taking that initiative forward to work with all the agencies that can offer support and assistance in making that a success in 2014