ONE of Scotland's oldest Highland games has been cancelled with just two weeks' notice, amid a police investigation into "potential financial irregularities" within the organising committee's accounts.
Dornoch Highland Games, which has been held almost every year since 1835 – "bar the war years and one unfortunate rainy day" – announced its cancellation in a statement posted on its official website, saying it was "with deep regret" that the decision had been taken.
"It is with deep regret that the Committee of Dornoch Highland Games announces the cancellation of this year's Games, which were scheduled to take place on Friday, August 7, at the Meadows Park Playing Field," the statement reads.
"This is due to circumstances outwith our control. We sincerely apologise for the disappointment."
The website adds that all enquiries relating to the cancellation should be directed to a dedicated email address, and encourages the public to bear with organisers while the matter is dealt with.
A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed the force had received a report of potential financial irregularities in the Dornoch area covering the period between 2024 and 2025, adding that enquiries remain at an early stage.
Games president Jimmy MacDonald told BBC Scotland News that the decision followed the discovery of "significant financial irregularities within the organisation's accounts".
"Upon identifying these concerns, the committee commenced an internal review, and the matter was subsequently reported to Police Scotland for further investigation," he said.
"As the matter is now the subject of a police investigation, we cannot comment further at this time."
MacDonald acknowledged the disappointment the news would cause locally.
"We thank the community for its understanding and patience during this difficult period and ask that the privacy of those involved in the investigation is respected," he added.
The Sutherland event is one of the most popular fixtures in the Highland games calendar, regularly drawing competitors from Europe, the US and Australia, as well as across the UK, for competitions in piping, Highland dancing, tossing the caber, putting the ball and throwing the hammer.
