After almost six years of World War II, Britain was desperate for community life to return to normal as soon as possible.
For some sporting events this was to take years, but the people of Glenurquhart were well ahead of the game. Indeed the war in the
Far East still had almost a month to run when, on July 18th 1945, the minute book records, a Public Meeting was held in
Drumnadrochit's Blairbeg Hall "for the purpose of constituting the Glenurquhart Highland Gathering".
The first games were held on the last Saturday in August which was the 25th and has been held on that day ever since. These are the origins of the feast of Highland sporting and cultural entertainments. The Glenurquhart Gathering has come a long way since it's war time origins, and the road has not always been easy. In 1957 and 1958 fortunes had reached such a low ebb that annual decisions had to be made whether or not to carry on, a problem which does not exist today. By this time another vital milestone had been reached with the change from Professional to Amateur Games in 1954. The atheletes and cyclists taking part today are all Amateurs and the Glenurquhart Games has long had the tradition of attracting the very best performers in both sports for what is regarded by all as the "Jewel in the Crown". The local menfolk labour every year to convert a field which offers little room for flexibility into a strong arena set in one of the most romantic locations in the Highlands.
And how many souls have been sold and to whom to ensure that this square mile enjoys the best of weather on this last Saturday of August is nobody's buisness.
For half a century the people of Glenurquhart have striven to create Highland magic for the spectator and the competitor and may it continue for the next half century.
Games Events...
Games Honours...