Highland Games return to Elgin
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ELGIN will stage its own Highland Games this summer for the first time in 16 years thanks to the town's famed Tug of War team.
Graham Cornes is one of the four-man team who are pulling everything together.
He said: "We travel the length and breadth of Scotland competing in various games, but unlike most other teams we never get to compete at home.
"Fochabers, Forres, Dufftown, Tomintoul and Aberlour all have their own games.
"Considering the size of Elgin it really should have its own event every year as well."
Graham along with team members Bob Wiseman, Jamie Wiseman and Ross Houghton are now on the lookout for sponsors and people to volunteer their services.
He added: "We've put an appeal on our Facebook site asking for 100 local businesses to donate £100.
"That's had quite a good response – some businesses have handed over more than £100 – however we'd like more to come forward.
"Finding competitors to take part in the games won't be a problem, but we'll need people to act as marshals and stewards on the day."
Cooper Park will be the venue for the resurrected Elgin Highland Games which were last held in 2004 on the Morriston playing fields.
The event has a long history in the town that stretches back well over a century.
In 1880 it was highlighted that 2500 people watched the games in a field at Ashgrove.
In 1925 they were revived after a gap of 12 years – probably due to World War One – and 3000 people paid for admission.
Then, in 1927, the games were held at Borough Briggs and enjoyed a record attendance.
Between 1931 and 1970 they were incorporated into Elgin’s gala week festivities, and then in 1970 they were moved to Morriston playing fields.
