Blackford Highland Games twinning with Trebsen
Blackford Highland Games, founded in 1870, is one of the oldest Highland Games events in Scotland. The Games have run virtually continuously for 150 years and are a showcase of both traditional cultural activities and local talent.
Supported by the Blackford Community Fund since 2011 with awards totalling over £46,000, the Games are an important aspect of preserving and showcasing local heritage in the community.
The event includes competitions for throwing the hammer, tossing the caber, putting the shot, tug o' war, athletics, cycling and highland dancing, all of which can attract international as well as local competitors.
Young people from the area are also encouraged to participate with primary school races and a variety of junior and youth competitions. Attracting visitors from near and far, the Games provide an excellent opportunity for local businesses and community groups to promote their services.
In 2019, the Games were visited by a delegation from Trebsen in Saxony, Germany. Trebsen town, which has also been celebrating its own Highland Games for over 20 years, was keen to find a ‘twinned town’ in Scotland with which it could share cultural connections. Having been welcomed at the Games, the guests were also invited to a special Community Ceilidh showcasing performances by local musicians.
A return delegation from Blackford then travelled to Trebsen in September to attend its Highland Games and to sign an official twinning agreement between the towns.
Since then, Blackford Community Council has encouraged other local community groups to participate in twinning activities to strengthen this connection and continue the cultural exchange.
In 2022, Blackford Community Council was awarded just over £950 from the Blackford Community Fund to purchase and install a noticeboard celebrating the twinning.
“People have commented that it is great to see a visible presence of the twinning.”
“The project is getting more community groups to take individual responsibility for organising events linked to the twinning and promoting awareness within the community. It will hopefully strengthen ties between the two countries.”