Stirling Celebrates 900 Years as a Royal Burgh with Record-breaking Highland Games
The Stirling Highland Games, a renowned celebration of Scottish culture and sport, reached new heights this year as it helped Stirling commemorate 900 years as a Royal Burgh. The International Gathering drew thousands of spectators and participants from around the world, solidifying its status as a leading cultural event in the region.
The event, which continues to be a cornerstone of Scotland’s rich traditions, was marked by historic achievements, broken world records, and a prestigious recognition that further cemented its cultural importance.
One of the highlights of the Stirling Highland Games is its inclusive nature. The event is one of only two highland games that provide opportunities for para-athletes to compete. This year, the Adaptive Heavyweights competition, supported by Anatomical Concepts, saw the Wounded Highlanders, a group of competitive sporting veterans, shatter two world records.
Mark Tonner, a regular competitor at Stirling, broke the world record for para-standing upper limb loss, weight for distance with his first throw. Not content with just one record, Tonner went on to break his own record twice more, with a final world record throw of 44′ 1.5″. Maria Theresa Miles also achieved a remarkable world record in the para-standing neuro muscular category, with a throw of 28′ 6″ in the weight for distance event. These impressive achievements not only showcased the skill and dedication of the Wounded Highlanders but also served as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of those who have served their country.
In addition to these record-breaking feats, Stirling Highland Games President Matt McGrandles received fantastic news from Roy McLellan, Regional Employer Engagement Director at HRFCA. The games were successful in their application for the prestigious Employer Recognition Scheme [ERS] Gold Award. McGrandles commented, “It was an amazing week for the committee, with great visitor numbers and world records broken at Stirling by the outstanding performances of the Wounded Highlanders. Then receiving the news that we were being awarded the ERS Gold Award was the perfect end to the week. I must say thanks to all our funders, volunteers, support organisations, and, of course, the athletes for being a part of this event for Stirling.”
The Stirling Highland Games is now recognized for its cultural and athletic excellence and is the first and only highland games in the UK to have achieved the ERS Gold standard of recognition. This achievement sets a new standard for other events, reinforcing the importance of the Employer Recognition Scheme [ERS] and inspiring other organisations to do the same.
Stirling Provost, Elaine Watterson, said, “I was delighted to attend the Stirling Highland Games recently and experience its vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. As Stirling celebrates our 900th anniversary as a Royal Burgh, the Games also proudly showcased our city to an international audience, with visitors from all parts of the world in attendance. This recognition from the UK Government is well-deserved, acknowledging the commitment shown by the Stirling Highland Games organisation in supporting members of our Armed Forces community.”
For the last decade, the Stirling Highland Games has showcased Scotland’s rich heritage through traditional athletic events, music, dance, and more. This year’s event was no exception, offering attendees an immersive experience that celebrated both the past and present. Visitors were treated to a day of thrilling competitions, including the iconic caber toss, track and field events, highland dancing with performances from Stirling Gaelic Choir, Sticks n Kicks, heritage tours, and 50 producers and market traders.
The success of this year’s event reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, from the athletes and performers to the organisers and volunteers who made it all possible. The ERS Gold Award and the record-breaking achievements of the Wounded Highlanders have set a new benchmark for the Stirling Highland Games, ensuring that it remains a must-attend event for years to come.
As the dust settles on another incredible year, the Stirling Highland Games continues to inspire and captivate audiences, offering a powerful reminder of the enduring appeal of Scotland’s traditions and the importance of community, resilience, and sustainability. The event has opportunities for other funders interested in getting involved and allowing Ceangail to continue to provide vocational training opportunities for young people. For further details, please contact us at office@stirlinghighlandgames.com.
