The Forres Highland Games will take place at Grant Park on July 6 and the organisers of the event which is now in its 96th year are looking forward to welcoming an international audience.

Fred Davidson, president of the Games said: “Every year, we are making changes to the Games to keep it fresh and up to date. We are delighted that for the first time we are introducing women’s heavy events. This is a relatively new thing on the Highland Games’ circuit and they are really gaining traction, so we wanted to make sure that we are keeping with the times and in line with what other Games are doing.”

This year, Forres Academy pupil Holly Innes has been chosen to be the Junior Chieftain for the day. She will accompany drum major Mike Munro as chieftain who was chosen for his dedication to the Forres and District Pipe Band. 

Holly is in S6 and works at Brodie Countryfare. She was chosen by headteacher Jan Sinclair for her commitment to school.

Mrs Sinclair said: “Holly is committed and dedicated, she is quietly confident and also worked very hard on a project called Kit For All which is about offering recycled and pre-loved sports kit to individuals and families who need it, for free. I hope she has a wonderful day, this is well deserved.”

Speaking of her role, Holly said: “I am really looking forward to the day. I have been to the Forres Highland Games before but it will be nice to see it from a different perspective. I am also looking forward to meeting Mike Munro. I was surprised but also excited and I am delighted to have been asked.”

Planning for the Games is an all-year round effort and Fred Davidson also wanted to thank those who support the event through sponsorship and in kind support.

“This really is a community-led event. The committee are all volunteers and, on the days running up to the Games, on the day itself and for the clear up, we rely upon so many people to lend a hand. We get in-kind support from AJ Engineering who help with machine and manpower, Forres Rotary Club, Transition Town Forres, Forres in Bloom, numerous farmers and Tartan Tourers to name just a few of those that help us. Many of the volunteers helping are affiliated to other community organisations in the town. Forres ha a great community for helping each other out and enabling successful and much appreciated summer community events to take place.”   

Fred added: “We have also secured a number of new sponsors this year who have chosen to take banners, message bike plates or events and two of the shops in town, the Highland Hospice and the Forres Area Credit Union have dressed their windows in support of the Games.” 

He added: “It really is shaping up to be a great day. The massed pipe bands are always a highlight and this year we have 10 and we will also have a French film crew on the park to feature the Games in a documentary, so let’s make it a great day out.”