Forres Highland Games has a new junior chieftain, new sporting events and will be filmed for a documentary

A HISTORIC local sporting event will this year boast a new event category, a new junior chieftain, a French film crew and 10 pipe bands.

And the organisers of Forres Highland Games at Grant Park on Saturday, July 6 - now in its 96th year - are looking forward to welcoming an international audience.

Games president Fred Davidson confirmed changes are made every year to make the event fresh and up-to-date.

He said: “We’re delighted to be introducing women’s heavy events for the first time. This is relatively new on the games’ circuit but gaining real traction.”

Forres Academy S6 pupil Holly Innes has been chosen as junior chieftain for the day. She will accompany drum major Mike Munro as chieftain, chosen for his dedication to Forres and District Pipe Band.

Holly works at Brodie Countryfare and was chosen by headteacher Jan Sinclair for her commitment to the school.

Mrs Sinclair explained: “Holly is committed, dedicated, quietly confident and worked hard on a project called ‘Kit For All’ offering recycled and pre-loved sports kit to people who need it, for free.

“I hope she has a wonderful day - this is well deserved.”

Holly is looking forward to it.

She said: “ I’m delighted to have been asked! I’ve been to the Forres Highland Games before so it will be nice to see it from a different perspective.

“I’m looking forward to meeting Mike Munro.”

Planning is an all-year round effort and Fred Davidson thanks those who support the event through sponsorship and in kind support.

“This really is a community-led event,” he said. “The committee are all volunteers and, on the days running up to the games, on the day itself and for the clear up, we rely upon so many people to lend a hand.

“AJ Engineering help with machine and manpower, while Forres Rotary, Transition Town Forres, Forres in Bloom, farmers and Tartan Tourers are also just a few of those that help us.

“Many of the volunteers are affiliated to other community organisations in the town.”

Banners, message bike plates and events have new sponsors while the Highland Hospice and Moray Firth Credit Union shops have dressed their windows in support of the games.

“It really is shaping up to be a great day,” finished Fred. “The massed pipe bands are always a highlight and we will also have a film crew featuring the event in a documentary.”