Salmon farmer gives strong support to strong women at Highland games
Bakkafrost increases sponsorship to finance inaugural ladies' heavy events
Women will compete in the heavy events at Lochcarron Highland Games for the first time this month after salmon producer Bakkafrost Scotland provided extra sponsorship to help launch the competition.
Bakkafrost is the headline sponsor of the games and has supported the men's heavy events for several years. This year, its backing has helped enable the introduction of women's heavy events: shot putt, hammer throw, weight for distance, and weight for height.
The games, now in their 46th year, will take place on Saturday, July 18, and will attract competitors and visitors from across Scotland and beyond to the games field at Attadale Estate in Wester Ross.
The women’s heavy events competition was created following a skills demonstration by Jackie Sears, Angie Grant, and Claire Wallace at last year’s games.
Women’s heavy events have surged in popularity in recent years, with the Glenurquhart Highland Gathering and Games in Drumnadrochit, on the shores of Loch Ness, featuring what organisers said was Scotland’s first world female heavy events championship last summer
Joanna Macpherson, chair of Lochcarron Highland Games Association, said:
“We’re delighted to be able to offer women’s heavy events at this year’s games, thanks to Bakkafrost Scotland.
“The skills demonstration last year showed how talented – and strong – the ladies are. Bakkafrost Scotland is our lead sponsor and is critical to the ongoing success and viability of our games.”
Evolving traditions
Bakkafrost Scotland managing director Ian Laister said the company was pleased to increase its sponsorship of the games to enable the creation of the ladies’ heavy events.
“It’s fantastic to see the competition continue to evolve while celebrating the traditions that make Highland games so popular,” said Laister.
“As a local employer across the west coast of Scotland, our partnership with the games reflects Bakkafrost Scotland’s commitment to supporting the communities where our employees live, work and thrive.”
