No horses equals no money

0 - 0 • Published 29 May 2009 10:59 0 Comments

ST Ronan"s Borders Games remain convinced that one of the oldest festivals in the Borders has been left at the post in the Year of the Homecoming.

'We just want an explanation why monies were distributed only among equestrian festivals,' chairman Alan Patterson told the Peeblesshire News.

'I feel, and the guys on the committee, feel that we are a very historic festival, and that in the Homecoming Year that everybody, no matter how small or large, should have been included.

'Scottish Borders Council have given explanations, but have been very political about the way they have done it.

'MSP Jeremy Purvis is also trying to look into it on our behalf.

'The Council is saying that it will give us space on the website.'

But Mr Patterson believes that this is akin to locking the door after the horses have bolted. 'There is a lot of history in Innerleithen and I feel that this has been forgotten about,' he said.

'Obviously a decision was taken by the Council and we have to accept that, and hopefully if an event like this happens again, we will not be forgotten.'

A spokeswoman for SBC said: 'At a meeting in May of last year, it was explained that funding from EventScotland for the Return to the Ridings could only cover equestrian festivals and the St Ronan"s Games would not fall into that category.

'But to maximise the tourist impact of the Homecoming programme, officers have ensured that other historic festivals such as St Ronan"s Games are included in the wider Homecoming Scotland 2009 promotion material.

'The Games is included on the Homecoming Scotland 2009 national website, the Return to the Ridings website, and in the Borders Homecoming Scotland printed programme.'

Mr Paterson added: 'We have made ourselves heard, and if there is ever a next time, I hope that we will be included.'

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This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 29 May 09

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