PEEBLES Highland Games Association is looking for volunteers to help with the running of this year’s event.

Members are holding their AGM in the Buchan Room at the Tontine Hotel at 7.30pm on Wednesday, March 22.

And they are appealing for anyone who would like to get involved to go along.

Chris Patterson, chairman of the games, said: “We had a really successful 50th Anniversary Highland Games in 2022 following a two-year break due to COVID and we are hoping to build on that in 2023 when our Games will be held in Hay Lodge Park on Saturday, September 2.

“However, as is often the case, a few people have moved on or retired from the committee recently and so we are very much in need of some new volunteers to get involved in the organisation of the games.

“West Lothian Highland Games, based in Bathgate, which was also founded in 1972, unfortunately had to take the difficult decision to fold last year due to dwindling committee numbers and rising running costs.

“West Lothian Highland Games hosted the British Pipe Band Championships as recently as 2015 and so this just goes to show just how quickly things can change without the support of the local community.

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“Peebles Highland Games are in a relatively healthy financial position having managed this aspect of the event very carefully over the years but ideally we could do with an extra five or six committee members to help plan and run the event which regularly attracts up to 20 pipe bands, over a hundred highland dancers and eight of the countries strongest heavy athletes.

“I have every faith that as with past appeals for new volunteers, the people of Peebles and the surrounding area won’t let us down.

“We are always grateful for help on the weekend of the games but we are also always on the lookout for people who can bring new energy and ideas to the committee.

“However, regardless of the skills you have to offer or the amount of time that you can commit, your help would be much appreciated.”

Peebles Highland Games Committee prides itself on making new members feel welcome and included in activities.

Anyone who is interested in finding out more about the organisation of Peebles Highland Games should go along to the AGM. Alternatively, contact secretary Don Graham on 07492853466 or chairman, Chris Patterson on 07985522156 for more information.