A long-established Scottish highland games has been cancelled amid claims of financial irregularities. Dornoch Highland Games's committee said it was with "deep regret" that they announced its cancellation with just two weeks notice.
In a statement posted on their website, they said:
This is due to circumstances outwith our control. We sincerely apologise for this disappointment.
A police spokesperson said it had received a report of potential financial irregularities in the Dornoch area between 2024 and 2025. It added that its inquiries were at an early stage.
Why was the event cancelled?
The cancellation followed the discovery of what games president Jimmy MacDonald described as "significant financial irregularities within the organisation's accounts". He said the committee began an internal review after identifying the concerns and then reported the matter to Police Scotland for further investigation.
MacDonald said:
Upon identifying these concerns, the committee commenced an internal review, and the matter was subsequently reported to Police Scotland for further investigation.
He also said:
As the matter is now the subject of a police investigation we cannot comment further at this time.
MacDonald said the committee understood the announcement would disappoint competitors, local businesses, residents and visitors who support the games. He added:
We thank the community for its understanding and patience during this difficult period and ask that the privacy of those involved in the investigation is respected.
When was the games due to take place?
Dornoch Highland Games was due to take place at the town's Meadows Park playing field on Friday 7 August.
Organisers say it has been held almost every year since 1835, "bar the war years and one unfortunate rainy day". Highland games feature a range of competitions for piping, Highland dancing, tossing the caber, putting the ball and throwing the hammer.
The Sutherland event regularly attracts competitors from Europe, USA and Australia as well as the UK.
What are the wider implications?
The cancellation is likely to affect competitors, local businesses, residents and visitors who support the games, but organisers said they could not comment further while the police investigation continues.
The police inquiry remains at an early stage, according to a spokesperson, and the reported financial irregularities relate to the Dornoch area between 2024 and 2025.
Key Facts
- Dornoch Highland Games was cancelled with two weeks' notice.
- The event was due to take place at Meadows Park on Friday 7 August.
- Police said they received a report of potential financial irregularities in the Dornoch area between 2024 and 2025.
- The games has been held almost every year since 1835, apart from the war years and one rainy day.
