A VIRTUAL programme of events is set to go ahead for Stirling Highland Games this month.

Traditional heavyweight competitions, a pipe band and cookery demonstrations will be showcased as part of the online programme on Saturday, August 21.

The annual gathering was originally due to take place live at Stirling Games Village, but was replaced with a virtual programme due to Covid-19 safety concerns.

Hammer toss, shot put and caber toss, the gruelling Bruce Challenge which will see strongmen carrying heavy boulders, an adaptive competition featuring the Wounded Highlanders as well as an online food and drink experience headlined by Tony Singh will all be available through a £5 on-demand Vimeo channel.

Games president Matt McGrandles said: “We really wanted our gathering to happen in-person this year but in the interests of safety we had to adapt our plans and have instead produced a cracking lineup of events for people to enjoy.

“The committee worked hard to come up with something special and we’re proud to be one of just a handful of Scottish Highland Games events taking place during 2021.

“What we need now is for the people of Stirling - and the thousands of overseas visitors who usually travel to see us - to support us virtually by tuning in to a day of fun and competition.

“More than 140,000 viewers watched last year’s virtual event and we have even more to offer our fans this year.

“We’re looking forward to a fantastic day while the online ticket sales will boost our plans to come back bigger and better when we return to our traditional live event in August 2022.”

Visit here to pre-order tickets for the day.