The much-anticipated Stirling Highland Games event returns this year on their usual weekend in mid-August. The committee is delighted to announce that it will be able to showcase even more creative arts for its visitors to enjoy on the day.
Ceangail CIC, who organises the annual not-for-profit event, has been working away in the background since last year’s took place. Following a very tough year, the social enterprise reports that interest in this much-needed cultural Stirling event continues, with ticket sales at this time of year almost back to the same level it saw in 2019.
Its Director, Matt McGrandles explains that his focus on the event’s 5-year recovery plan includes collaborating with like-minded organisations and individuals so it can attract a different group of visitors to enjoy the event. “We are very passionate about bringing Stirling and its highland games event to life for all visitors. I believe the event provides a fantastic day out for both Stirling’s residents as well as visitors from the rest of the UK and overseas. If we can build on our offer as well as give visitors an authentic highland games experience, then the event will become sustainable. To do that, we need to find the right support and have the right organisations around our table. That way, we will all benefit from the event.”
One of those organisations Matt believes fits the bill is the Stirling-based GOSSIP Collective Artists Group. As part of the Stirling Highland Games creative arts offering, GOSSIP is delighted to be exclusively working with the Stirling Highland Games in 2023 to show a special selection of GOSSIP members’ artwork.
The group regularly exhibits around the Stirling area, including its own gallery space in the Thistles Centre, and has also held outdoor exhibitions at Stirling University and at the Stirling Smith. Like the event, GOSSIP is a not-for-profit, inclusive, artist-run collective based in Stirling that mutually supports emerging and established artists.
With so much planned again over 1 day, visitors can look forward to performances from the Stirling Gaelic Choir, on-site walking tours and the GOSSIP artist trek showcase. So, if you are looking for a day out in Stirling with plenty to offer then make sure you add Stirling Highland Games to your ‘must visit’ list.
Stirling Highland Games is based at Stirling Sports Village and will be held on Saturday 19th August. Discounted tickets for the event are available to buy online now at www.stirlinghighlandgames.com or at full price at the gates on the day.
