Forres Highland Games 2024 attracted a sizeable crowd despite wet weather

THOUSANDS of visitors from near and far braved wet weather to enjoy a traditional Scottish event at Grant Park today.

Spectators and competitors from around the world joined locals at the Forres Highland Games in its 96th year - organisers confirm more than 6000 tickets were sold.

Games president Fred Davidson spoke to attendees from all America, Canada, China, Spain, and Holland.

He said: “I was a bit apprehensive when I saw the weather this morning but it was kind to us in the end.

“We opened at 11am but there were folk here from 10, hiding under the trees from the rain. We had to extend the parking in Grant Park playing fields because of the demand for spaces.

“As well as watchers, there were quite a few international athletes taking part.

“I’d like to thank everyone who helped make the day such a success.”

Enrico Sinchetto and Davide Zappulla from Turin are spending two weeks in Scotland with their families. They travelled up from Oban via a tour of Loch Ness.

“Forres is so clean and tidy with lots of greenery and flowers,” said Enrico. “It’s beautiful!

“The people here take great care of the landscape, which is not so common in parts of Italy.”

“We read about the Forres Highland Games on the internet,” added Davide. “It’s amazing!

“We enjoyed watching the heavy events most, particularly the caber tossing. They are different from anything we have in Italy and very traditional for Scotland. We also loved seeing the pipe bands.

“The event is well organised and the park is a great venue for everyone to come together.”

Read the full report with more photographs and reaction in next week’s Forres Gazette.