INVERKEITHING Highland Games has been cancelled despite hopes that it could be saved.

Organisers are now looking forward to next summer to celebrate what will be the 50th anniversary since the games were resurrected in 1971.

The Games brings in hundreds of spectators and visitors from around the world every August to see Highland dancing, pipe competitions and the famous caber-tossing among other sporting events.

Rod Ruzzak, chairman, said: "Since the coronavirus emergency began, we have been working steadily towards Games Day in order to ensure that everything would be in place should things calm down.

"Unfortunately, it is becoming obvious that there is no clear end to this crisis.

"To that end, the committee has taken the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Games.

"It is important that our patrons, athletes and officials can concentrate on staying safe.

"At the same time, our efforts are now best directed towards ensuring that we have a good base of sponsors, advertisers, athletes and patrons for August 2021.

"I would like to thank all our patrons, sponsors, advertisers, athletes and officials for the continued support over the years; and finally, yet importantly, our dedicated committee who has made Inverkeithing Highland Games what it is today."

Inverkeithing councillor David Barratt said: "I am disappointed that the Games can't be on this year but understandably the committee needed to make a decision.

"A lot of community groups rely on funding that they bring in from the Games and I know this will be disappointing for them.

"Maybe after all this, we might be able to pull together a community event to celebrate as other events such as the galas are also cancelled."

Councillor Dave Dempsey added: "It's sad but inevitable under the circumstances.

"There will be an end to all of this but nobody knows when that is.

"It's the sort of thing that you need to make decisions on now as a lot of people come from long distances to come to the Highland Games.

"We hope everything will be OK by Aug but it is a hope."

If you have any questions or concerned please ihg.chairman@gmail.com.

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