Community outcry as Loch Lomond Highland Games in Balloch axed for 2024

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Community figures have slammed the council after Loch Lomond Highland Games organisers announced this year’s event would be axed due to cuts.Organisers last week confirmed they have cancelled plans for the popular Moss o’Balloch showpiece after West Dunbartonshire Council slashed £14,000 in funding.The family event draws around 9,000 visitors from across the world to the village every year, with one community councillor saying its loss would have an impact on “local businesses, the economy and the spirit of the community”.Organisers say they are determined to bring the games back in 2025, posting on social media: “It is with great disappointment that the committee of Loch Lomond Highland Games has made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s games, which were due to be held on July 13 2024.“The recent announcement from West Dunbartonshire Council regarding funding cuts, affected our budget significantly to hold the games this year.“Although this is disappointing, we are now planning and looking to secure additional funding to bring back the highland games in 2025.”The Royal Scottish Highland Games Association said it was “saddened” by the cancellation “following the reduction in the financial support previously received” and is seeking alternative venues for World Heavyweight Championship and Scottish 80 metres Championship events.Balloch and Haldane Community Council have written to the local authority outlining their disappointment at a lack of consultation on the cash cut.Their letter says: “While we understand that there are budgetary constraints, we believe as the local voice of the community that Balloch and Haldane Community Council should have been consulted on this matter at the very least, prior to the