Former Scotland cricket Internationalist Kathryn White has been named Chieftain of the 2023 Stirling Highland Games.
Stirling-born Kathryn started playing cricket at the age of 10 following some taster sessions, delivered by Raymond Bond, at her primary school. She enjoyed the sport so much that she joined the local Stirling County Cricket Club, which was located then at Williamfield and was just over the fence from her home.
Kathryn was part of the first Scotland Women’s International match back in 2000. She played Northumberland that day, picking up her first cap before going on to become the 1st player to reach 100 caps. She finished her career with an amazing 132 caps for Scotland and is really looking forward to being the Stirling Chieftain on the 19th of August this year.
Kathryn said, “It was quite a surprise to be nominated for this role but I felt it was something I just couldn’t turn down. As I was born and raised in Stirling, it is an incredible honour to be recognised for my past success in cricket and asked to undertake the role of Chieftain at the Stirling Highland Games this coming August.”
The Stirling Highland Games committee chooses the honorary role of Games Chieftain from a list of famous sons and daughters of the city who stand out in their respective disciplines.
Kathryn will be joined by past Chieftains of Stirling on the day and mentioned, “I am delighted to become part of the Chieftain family and follow in the footsteps of those who have previously performed this role. I am really looking forward to returning home for what will no doubt be a fantastic event.”
Stirling Highland Games President, Matt McGrandles said, “We welcomed the news that Kathryn had accepted this honorary role and look forward to working with her over these next few months as the event builds.”
“Having spoken with Kathryn about her career, it’s amazing listening to her about her achievements and that she just seems to take it in her stride. It sounds like she was some player bringing a great ethos to her team which included coaching Scotland age group girls. She is exactly the type of person we love shouting about and is a fantastic role model to Stirling.”
The Games, still in its 2nd year of recovery, provides visitors from all over with a fantastic day out in Stirling. You can enjoy watching the traditional highland games competitions, to the exclusive Stirling Stones Bruce Challenge event; families can enjoy a packed Activities Challenge area with mini highland games; to spend time browsing the trader’s village with market traders as well as delicious food and drink producers offering mouth-watering tastes of Scotland.
Stirling’s much-needed event runs from 10.30 until 17:00 and tickets can be bought online in advance now or on the day.
As a not-for-profit event, Stirling’s 2023 Highland Games is currently supported by a variety of organisations and funders including Specsavers Stirling, Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, Active Stirling, GCM Services, Hallam Land Management and Coversure.
For more details on the Games and to book tickets, visit www.stirlinghighlandgames.com
