2025-12-31-accounts

Glenurquhart Highland Gathering and Games (GHGG) Scottish Charity Number SC 044930

Trustees' Report for year ending 31 December 2025

Our objectives are:

• to advance public participation in sport by organising, promoting and running the annual Glenurquhart Highland Gathering & Games in the village of Drumnadrochit;

• to advance knowledge and understanding of the heritage and culture of Scotland through an appreciation of the history and tradition of the sporting and other activities at highland games;

• to support by way of grant or otherwise any charity, organisation, activity or project which advances citizenship or community development within the parishes of Glenmoriston & Glenurquhart.

Our ambition is to ensure that the fourth Saturday in August is firmly established as a key date in the Glenurquhart calendar—a day when tradition, sport, and community come together, and when families return home to celebrate an enduring local heritage.

In delivering these objectives, the Trustees focus on providing a well-run, safe and welcoming community event that encourages participation in traditional sport, celebrates Highland culture, and generates funds that can be reinvested in local charitable and community activity.

The focus of this year was to build on the success of last year’s Highland Games by hosting the Women’s World Heavy Events Championship for the first time and welcoming visitors in greater numbers.

The Glenurquhart Highland Gathering and Games depends on the commitment and hard work of a great number of committee members and volunteers, throughout the year and on the day itself. The trustees are extremely grateful to the people of our community for all that they do to make the event a success.

Trustees and Committee Members

Trustee retirements and AGM elections

At our AGM on 24[th] March 2025, a number of trustees retired from office and trustees were elected/re-elected in accordance with the constitution.

The following trustees retired from office, with thanks for their service: Roy MacGregor, Jane Drennan, Michael Cameron, William Owen, Debbie McWhirr, Billy Hives, Chris Dell, John Marshall, Claire Owen, Ruaraidh Drennan, Andy Allan, Sarah Selby.

Trustees re-elected

At our AGM on 24[th] March 2025, the following trustees were reappointed:

Hector Fraser Mackenzie, Alexander Graham Whyte, Cairn Urquhart, Kirstine Mullin, Kateryna Zoryk, Andrew Iain Fulton, Duncan Overmeer, Jenny Lindner.

New trustee elected

At our AGM on 24[th] March 2025, the trustees unanimously approved the appointment of Dianne Fraser as a trustee.

“Games Day” highlights

The year 2025 marked a significant milestone in the history of the Glenurquhart Highland Gathering and Games. The Committee took the strategic decision to host the first Women’s World Heavy Events Championship ever to be held in Scotland. This initiative represented a considerable undertaking and was not without its challenges; however, it proved to be an exceptionally successful and defining moment for our organisation.

The Championship welcomed eight elite athletes, including three competitors from the United States, ensuring the international representation we had sought. Over the course of the weekend, the Games delivered a programme of competition that met the standards expected of a world‑level event— professional, well‑organised, and memorable. Our aim was to ensure that the athletes departed not only as competitors but as ambassadors for both the Games and the wider Glenurquhart community. We believe this objective was fully achieved.

The Championship was ultimately won by Juliet Ramsay, whose performance exemplified the high calibre of competition throughout.

It was particularly fitting that Roy MacGregor served as Games Chieftain for 2025. Roy has contributed over 45 years of service to the organisation, primarily in the role of Treasurer. His longstanding commitment, guidance, and loyalty have been instrumental in shaping the Games as we know them today. The Trustees extend their sincere appreciation for his exceptional service.

Beyond the Championship, the 2025 Gathering continued the pattern of growth observed in recent years. All trade stand spaces were sold out, and the introduction of additional food vendors broadened the range of catering options available, enhancing the visitor experience while complementing our own catering provision.

A further significant development was the introduction of online ticket sales. This initiative proved highly successful, with more than 2,000 tickets purchased in advance of Games Day. The system improved cash flow, strengthened operational planning, and demonstrated strong public demand for the event. The Trustees record their thanks to Barbara Girvan for her substantial contribution to the implementation and success of this project.

The achievements of the past year are the result of the dedication, teamwork, and voluntary effort of our Committee and the many assistants who support the Games annually. Their commitment enables Glenurquhart to continue delivering one of Scotland’s leading Highland Games. The Trustees extend their sincere gratitude to all involved.

We also acknowledge the vital support of our sponsors. In particular, we thank Compass Construction Services for their sponsorship of the World Championship, as well as our Gold Sponsor, Highland Industrial Supplies , our Silver Sponsor D&E Green , and our many longstanding supporters. Their contributions allow us to enhance the Games each year and to continue supporting local organisations through our fundraising activities.

We are indebted to our supporters and in-kind sponsors . Huge thanks to: Cobbs , for their donations of cakes each year; Fionnar , for their donated Spring Water; Iain Wilson , for the use of his field for parking for so many years and the Kipfmiller and MacSween families for the sweets

and medals at the Mini Highland Games.

Our Finances (see also notes to our accounts)

This year saw the majority of costs increase for three reasons: inflation-related price rises, an increase in our Public Entertainment Licence capacity to 5,000 people (cost £727), and hosting the Women’s World Heavy Events Championship for the first time. These factors meant that several areas of provision had to scale up. For example, the cost of toilets rose from £935.00 in 2024 to £5,652.00 in 2025.

Due to increasing workload and complexity, we hired an event coordinator for the first time, at a cost of £3,860.00.

We updated and increased our prize money from £6,981.00 last year to £14,033.00 this year, including prizes for the eight Women’s World Heavy finalists.

Income across all areas increased this year, reflecting significantly higher visitor numbers. Online advance ticket sales were used for the first time, and our gate income rose from £28,315.44 in 2024 to £37,880.30 in 2025.

We secured £10,200.00 in sponsorship income (last year’s sponsorship income had been carried over from the year before).

Our stalls included food trucks for the first time, generating £2,765.00 in stall fees (£1,000.00 in 2024).

Overall, we end 2025 with a surplus of £9,308.52 in unrestricted funds.

Governance and risk

Public benefit : The Trustees confirm that they have had due regard to OSCR guidance on meeting the charity test and delivering public benefit. Our activities advance participation in sport, promote and preserve Scottish heritage and culture through the Highland Games tradition, and provide a community event that is open to the public.

Risk management : The Trustees keep the principal risks facing the charity under review. Key risks

include adverse weather, public safety and safeguarding, licensing and regulatory compliance, financial performance (including inflationary cost increases), and volunteer availability. These risks are mitigated through forward planning, appropriate insurances, liaison with relevant authorities and contractors, and active recruitment and coordination of volunteers.

Reserves : The Trustees aim to maintain sufficient unrestricted reserves to meet working capital needs and to provide resilience against unexpected costs or reduced income in any one year. The unrestricted surplus at year end will be carried forward to support the planning and delivery of future Games and associated community benefit.

Charitable payments

We were delighted to be able to support the Glenurquhart Care Centre and Glenurquhart Childcare Centre with donations of £1000 and £500 respectively.

We also made several goodwill payments totalling £800 for Glen Urquhart Rural Community Association and £300 for Glen Urquhart Shinty Club for the use of their facilities and resources in 2024 and 2025.

At Iain Wilson’s request, we also made a £100 donation to the Glenurquhart Care Centre for the use of his field for car parking.

Looking forward

We are pleased to have secured the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association Women’s World Heavy Events Championship for both 2026 and 2027. This reflects the confidence placed in us by the Association and provides renewed impetus to further strengthen and develop the event.

However, continued growth brings ongoing challenges. Volunteer recruitment remains a critical priority. Sustaining and enhancing the quality of the Games will require a continued focus on attracting and retaining volunteers across all operational areas.

Dianne Fraser, Kirstine Mullin & A. Graham Whyte

Dianne Fraser, Kirstine Mullin (treasurer) & A. Graham Whyte (Vice-Chairperson) On behalf of the Glenurquhart Highland Gathering and Games Trustees