Highland Games: Committee set to rename West Lothian event

Nov 5 2009 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

Committee play the name game

ORGANISERS of one of West Lothian’s biggest annual attractions have voted to rename the event.

From now on, Bathgate Highland Games, held in the town on the last Saturday in May, will be called the West Lothian Highland Games.

The games committee’s recent annual general meeting decided the event’s name should reflect the fact that many spectators travel to the event from outwith Bathgate.

And to get youngsters involved in the event, all primary school pupils in the county will be invited to participate in a competition to design the front page of the programme.

There will be an individual prize and a class outing for the winner, sponsored by Tesco.

And it’s hoped next summer’s event will prove even more of a success than this year’s which saw over 8000 spectators go to the games to see 62 pipe bands and many competitors in the solo piping competitions, 120 highland dancers; 12 professional “heavy” athletes and many amateur runners in the hill race.

Next May’s games will feature the Scottish amateur heavy athlete championship.

President of the committee, Matt Purdie said the event will be even more inclusive of people across the county.

He said: “This is the only major annual event to which the entire population of the county can associate and feel part of.

“This makes “our” games one of the largest of their kind in Scotland and rapidly gaining momentum.”

And Matt said organisers have big plans on how they hope to expand the games.

He said: “The committee hope to be in a position within a few years to bid for a “major” pipe band competition i.e. Scottish or UK which would have a tremendous effect on West Lothian’s economy and status. All of these improve the overall spectacle and the support of the business community to whom corporate hospitality is offered at an exceptionally high level for themselves and clients is of major importance for the future growth and quality of “our” games.”

l Anyone who wishes to sponsor an event, advertise in the programme, or join the committee, contact Matt Purdie on 01506 652792 or e-mail mattpurdie@mattpurdie.co.uk.