International interest in the Scottish highland games scene is hitting greater heights than ever before.
Ahead of this weekend’s Strathmore gathering in the stunning setting of Glamis Castle’s grounds, Scottish Highland Games Association president Charlie Murray said enthusiasm from across the globe was booming as the season gets into full swing.
And the appetite for the traditional spectacle will bring two television crews to Angus on Sunday as programme makers from the UK and US aim to capture a flavour of the games.
Mr Murray, who is chairman of the Strathmore Games committee and in the second year of his 36-month term as SHGA president, is delighted to be snowed under with international enquiries.
“The interest is absolutely phenomenal,” he said.
“We used to get the occasional call but the inquiries from the likes of television companies are coming in a couple of times a week now.
“I can’t exactly put my finger on the reasons and it will probably be down to a variety of things, including the value of the pound, but it’s great for the highland games scene and hopefully will bring even more interest.”
The upsurge in enthusiasm is good news for the circuit, which has suffered several hammer blows in recent years as events have struggled against rising administration costs and dismal weather_double whammys which have led to some falling off the calendar.
Mr Murray added; “There are also already a lot of tourists around and hopefully that is a good sign for the summer.
“At Blackford in just one corner of the ground I spoke to people from Germany, Switzerland, Australia and France and there was also a party from Holland.
“This weekend at Glamis one of the crews is a making a history programme for Channel 4 and want to show the traditional side of the games, the equipment and the participants.
“The American crew have been filming around the east coast of Scotland and we’re delighted they have asked to come to Glamis.”