Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, has called for the Highlands and Islands to join Glasgow in celebrating the 2014 Commonwealth Games by holding a 2014 Commonwealth Highland Games to coincide.

The Highlands provide many of the iconic images which make Scotland internationally recognisable, and the 2014 Commonwealth Games would be an excellent opportunity to promote the Highland Games. Dave has written to the Highland Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to promote the idea, which could either see several small events scheduled in parallel with the Commonwealth Games, or one large Highland Games organised. He has also copied the letter to Shona Robison, Minister for the Commonwealth Games.

Commenting on this, Dave said: "The Highland Games are already popular around the world, with events taking place across the USA and Canada, and as far afield as Australia.

2014 is not only an opportunity for Scotland to host a world class Commonwealth Games, but is also a chance for us to showcase our unique Highlands and Islands sporting culture and history.

It will be great to see events such as tossing the caber, the tug of war and other Highland heavy events juxtaposed with the more traditional events in the Commonwealth Games.

While much attention will be focused on the games in Glasgow, 2014 is an opportunity to promote all of Scotland as a great place to visit.

Hosting a Great Highland Games while the eyes of the world are on Scotland would make 2014 a truly unforgettable year."