Local MP Praises Positive Impact for Stirling

Stirling Highland Games has celebrated another strong year, as ticket sales brought a surge of visitors to both the Games and Stirling as a whole. Taking place on Saturday 19th August 2023, the Games were organised by Ceangail CIC, a leading social enterprise based in Stirling.

Meeting with Matt McGrandles, Stirling Highland Games President and founder of Ceangail, Stirling MP Alyn Smith found out more about the success of this year’s event, and exciting plans for the future.

Over 4,500 people attended the Games this year from over 35 different countries, visiting the Games Field close to the Stirling Sports Village on the banks of the River Forth – in full view of the Wallace Monument, Stirling Castle and Cambuskenneth Abbey. In the past 10 years, it’s estimated the Games have attracted approximately 30-35,000 visitors in total. 

Participants numbered 371, from across Scotland and further afield. This year’s Games brought an economic boost to Stirling estimated at around £644,000, through accommodation bookings, food and hospitality spend, general increases in tourist numbers and discretionary spend.

Stirling Highland Games President Matt McGrandles said:

‘It was a pleasure to host another successful Games this year, and attract visitors from across the world to Stirling. We’ve a fantastic city with a great story to tell, and time and time again people sing our praises – we’re an integral part of their time in Scotland. We were honoured to include Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf in this year’s visitor roll, demonstrating the immense significance and sentiment attached to the Games. Ceangail has big plans for the future, and I’m excited to have the support of Alyn as we pursue a Games bigger and better than ever before.’

Stirling MP Alyn Smith said:

‘I’m seriously impressed by the work Matt and his team put in, year-in and year-out, to make the Stirling Highland Games the success we all enjoy. This year’s Games were fantastic, and Matt’s vision for the future is one I can absolutely get behind. The economic and cultural impact for Stirling cannot be understated – it puts us on the global map and boosts our international appeal. I give my thanks to Matt and all the organisers and staff behind this year’s Games, and wish them all my best for 2024!’

Notes:

Pictured is Alyn and Matt near the Games Field.