Future of Applecross Highland Games uncertain amid call for fresh blood to take over organisation of traditional Wester Ross event
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A ROSS-SHIRE community’s annual Highland Games is in jeopardy after the organiser decided to step down following decades of service.
The Applecross Highland games are a well-known feature in the local summer calendar which has been run by Alfie Edwards and his team since the 1970s.
Mr Edwards (67) now wishes to pass the baton onto the next generation so the annual family event may continue. The Applecross Games were originally started by his father to raise funds for the building of the local community hall.
Mr Edwards said: “My dad started the games and I worked with him. I couldn’t honestly tell you how long I have done it, but it has been a long time. My dad started them to raise money for the first hall, and the new one now.”
The games bring in around £8000 each year, with most of this being reinvested in the community which goes towards old folks’ clubs, the primary school and the hall.
However, there are now fears that if a new team is not found to organise the games, then the vital funding it secures for the community could be lost.
Mr Edwards said: “Everything is ready for people to start but they need to get a committee of at least six to eight together. There are people in the village who could have helped and never have. I think it’s going to be a huge miss to the place. But you’ve to turn round one day and hand it over to the young people.”
Mr Edwards said he will still support those who wish to take it on and help them find their feet for the first few years.
"I think it’s going to be a huge miss to the place. But you’ve to turn round one day and hand it over to the young people.”
Maggie Edwards helped her husband over the years, organising the raffle prizes throughout the year, which was a big job finding bargains.
She said about the games: “I hope it does come again as it’s a great thing.” For those wanting to get involved she added: “Do it and do it now! Don’t let the whole thing disappear after all the hard work that’s already been done. All the equipment has been bought and paid for over the years.”
The games usually run on the last weekend of July and feature all the Highland games, stalls, food, raffles, a bar and dance in the evening.
The dance will still be taking place this year on July 23 in the hall, which will still generate some income for the community. However, the urgent call now is for a team of people step up to ensure that the Applecross Highland Games continue.
Mrs Edwards said: “We wouldn’t have a hall if it wasn’t for the games.
“They are struggling now as thousands were raised from the games.”
Those who wish to get involved should contact Alfie. Anyone can get involved even if they are from elsewhere. What is needed is knowledge and a commitment to the event. Stalwart Mr Edwards has done an incredible job raising funds for the community throughout the years and has put in a lot of commitment to the games.
Mrs Edwards said: “I don’t think people appreciate how hard Alfie works, and now they are getting to see!”
Anyone who thinks they can help can contact Mr Edwards on alfieedwards@hotmail.com
